Hyperoxia in the treatment of traumatic brain injury and stroke

SUMMARY Traumatic brain injury and acute ischemic stroke are major causes of mortality and morbidity throughout the world. Treatment in both conditions remains partially successful. In recent years, hyperoxia (increased inspired oxygen concentration), both hyperbaric and normobaric, has shown significant promise as treatment modality in these conditions. We review the recent relevant evidence from human trials and discuss the mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology.