Summary of Study
The study titled “Treatment of post-anesthesia dementia with perispinal etanercept injection and hyperbaric oxygen therapy: a case report” details the successful treatment of severe dementia-like symptoms following surgery and anesthesia. A 77-year-old man experienced significant cognitive, physical, and emotional decline after knee surgery. This report explores the combined use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and perispinal etanercept (an anti-inflammatory injection) to address his symptoms. The goal was to reduce inflammation, improve blood flow to the brain, and stimulate healing. The study sought to determine if this dual approach could restore the patient’s mental and physical abilities.
Methodology
The patient underwent a 40-session course of hyperbaric therapy, delivered in a chamber at 1.75 atmosphere absolute (ATA) for 60 minutes daily. After 10 sessions, he began receiving weekly injections of 25 mg perispinal etanercept for five months. A baseline SPECT scan (a type of brain imaging) was used to identify reduced blood flow in affected brain areas. The treatment aimed to target inflammation and revive dormant but healthy brain tissues impacted by surgery-related complications.
Results
The patient showed noticeable improvements after the first injection and continued to recover over the five-month treatment period. Cognitive abilities, such as remembering names and understanding conversations, returned. Physical capabilities, including walking independently and engaging in social activities, were restored. His sleep patterns normalized, and he became self-sufficient in daily tasks. A follow-up SPECT scan showed increased blood flow in key brain regions linked to memory and behavior. Sixteen months after treatment, his improvements remained stable, with his family confirming his enhanced quality of life.
Conclusion
This case illustrates the potential of combining hyperbaric oxygen therapy with anti-inflammatory treatment to address post-surgery dementia. The dual approach significantly improved cognitive and physical functions in a patient with severe post-surgical impairments. The findings highlight the importance of hyperbaric therapy in reducing inflammation and promoting brain healing, offering hope for similar cases in the future.
Source: Treatment of post-anesthesia dementia with perispinal etanercept injection and hyperbaric oxygen therapy: a case report | Steve Best, Dan G Pavel | DOI: 10.1186/s13256-017-1259-6 | PMCID: PMC5391550 | PMID: 28407792