Neurological Differential Diagnosis

sclerosis (MS), yet the literature does not support this. Kleijnen and Knipschild2 critically reviewed 14 controlled trials of HBO on MS, and found eight to be “of reasonable to high quality.” Only one of eight trials showed positive effects. The author eventually admits, at the end of the book, that “the main indications for HBO are decompression sickness, air embolism, and CO poisoning. In all other disorders where it has been used, it remains an adjunctive therapy.” Perhaps the greatest challenge for hyperbaric medicine in its search for wider acceptance is to develop a proven set of indications based on solid research and controlled trials. Gabb and Robin3 state that HBOs “almost global application to a wide variety of diseases lends itself easily to medical adventurism (therapy in search of a disease) and economic exploitation.” Professor Jain’s book appeals to the baromedical devotee, but numerous flaws in a potentially excellent textbook do not lend credibility to or forward the cause of hyperbaric medicine in the United States. This book is not authoritative enough to recommend to readers of Neurolo w .