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European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases

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Open Access 01-01-2011 | Article

Improvement of attention span and reaction time with hyperbaric oxygen treatment in patients with toxic injury due to mold exposure

Authors: N. Ezra, K. Dang, G. Heuser

Published in: European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases | Issue 1/2011

Abstract

It is, by now, well established that mold toxins (mycotoxins) can cause significant adverse health effects. In this study, 15 subjects who developed an attention deficit disorder (ADD) and slowing of reaction time at the time of exposure to mold toxins were identified. Deficits in attention span and reaction time were documented not only by taking a careful history, but also by performing a Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA). The TOVA test provides an objective measure of these two variables. It was found that mold-exposed subjects show statistically significant decreases in attention span and significant increases in reaction time to stimuli compared to controls. After ten sessions of hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT), a statistically significant improvement was seen in both measures. This preliminary study suggests promising outcomes in treating mold-exposed patients with hyperbaric oxygen.

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Title: Improvement of attention span and reaction time with hyperbaric oxygen treatment in patients with toxic injury due to mold exposure
Authors: N. Ezra
K. Dang
G. Heuser
Publication date: 01-01-2011
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases / Issue 1/2011
Print ISSN: 0934-9723
Electronic ISSN: 1435-4373
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10096-010-0937-8

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