Hydrogen Therapy Helps Stroke Recovery After Failed Surgery
- Authors
- Feng-Hao Chang, Jeng-Wei Lu, Chun-Chih Hu, Wun-Long Jheng, Shuk-Man Ka, Shinn-Zong Lin, Dueng-Yuan Hueng, Yueh-Feng Sung, Ying-Hsuan Tsai, Jou-I Tu, Yi-Jung Ho, Kuang-Yih Wang, Feng-Cheng Liu
- Journal
- Open Medicine
- Year
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.1515/med-2025-1290
- Study Type
- Human
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Ischemic Stroke
- Body System
- Neurological
TL;DR
Adjunctive hydrogen–rhodiola therapy in a patient with internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion improved motor recovery and immune regulation, suggesting a safe neuroprotective benefit post-stroke.
Key Finding
A single patient with severe stroke from internal carotid artery occlusion showed marked motor recovery (from paralysis to normal strength) over six months when treated with molecular hydrogen-rhodiola as an adjunct to surgery, accompanied by changes in immune markers suggesting reduced inflammation.
Summary
This case report describes one patient with a severe stroke caused by a blocked artery in the neck who received molecular hydrogen-rhodiola capsules as an additional treatment after surgery. Over six months, the patient's paralyzed arm and leg regained significant strength, and blood tests showed changes in immune cells that may have helped reduce inflammation in the brain. The patient tolerated the treatment well with no reported side effects.
Practical Takeaway
While this case report suggests molecular hydrogen-rhodiola may be safe and potentially beneficial for stroke recovery, it describes only one patient's experience and cannot establish whether the treatment caused the improvement or whether it would help others. Much larger, controlled studies would be needed before drawing conclusions about its effectiveness for stroke patients.
Abstract
Objectives: Acute ischemic stroke caused by internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion carries high risks of disability and death. While treatments such as thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy, and revascularization offer benefits, many patients experience limited recovery. Molecular hydrogen, with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, shows promise as a neuroprotective agent. This case report explores the adjunctive use of molecular hydrogen-rhodiola therapy in a patient with ICA occlusion, with a focus on immune modulation and clinical outcomes. Case presentation: A 68-year-old male with a history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation presented with left-sided hemiplegia and was diagnosed with right ICA occlusion (NIH Stroke Scale: 12; modified Rankin Scale: 5). Endovascular thrombectomy was attempted but unsuccessful (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score = 0). The patient subsequently underwent superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery bypass surgery. Postoperatively, he was initiated on daily molecular hydrogen-rhodiola capsule therapy. Serial immunological assessments demonstrated a progressive increase in type 1 regulatory T (Tr1) cells and regulatory B cells, along with enhanced T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM-3) expression on cytotoxic T (Tc) cells. Clinically, the patient exhibited marked neurological recovery, with motor strength improving from Medical Research Council grade 1 to grade 5 in the affected limbs over six months. Notably, steroid therapy was discontinued without relapse, and no adverse events were observed. Conclusion: This case highlights the potential of molecular hydrogen-rhodiola therapy as a safe and effective adjunctive treatment for ischemic stroke due to ICA occlusion. Notable improvements in immune modulation and motor function support its possible role in neurovascular recovery.