Patient characteristics and randomization
intercurrent illness
Seventy-six patients were eligible to participate in the study. Twelve patients were excluded before randomization. Thus, 64 were randomized to one of the two arms. Two patients from the HBOT group were excluded, one due to intercurrent illness, and one due to poor compliance and did not complete the post protocol assessments. Two additional patients withdrew their consent during treatment and did not complete evaluations. From the medication group, two patients were excluded due to poor compliance and did not complete the follow up assessments. Accordingly, 29 patients from the HBOT group and 29 patients from the medication group completed the protocol and were included in the analysis. The patient flowchart is presented in 