Treated Conditions

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CEREBRAL PALSY

The term "cerebral palsy" is not a specific diagnosis, but is now generally applied to children who experience some form of brain trauma varying from oxygen deprivation at birth to infections within the brain tissues to traumatic brain injury (TBI). The condition involves the inability to control movement due to neurological dysfunction in areas of the brain, which regulates motor skills. Severity of the condition can range from difficulty with fine motor tasks to patients who suffer from seizures or cognitive impairment.

Although Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is used worldwide for treatment of cerebral palsy, it is still considered experimental. HBOT is not a cure for cerebral palsy but offers a way to activate damaged or dormant brain cells which have been deprived of oxygen for a period of time.

HBO therapy reduces any pressure within the brain caused by swelling, allowing normalized blood flow to the damaged brain cells. With restored function of the blood brain barrier and cell membranes, toxic products are neutralized and HBOT acts as a scavenger of free radicals and promotes internal cleaning of debris.

The use of HBO therapy in CP and traumatic brain injury will give the brain a jump-start. HBO aids in the glucose metabolism required by all brain and spinal cord tissue therefore providing an ideal internal environment for the normal growth of brain tissue.

The therapy is administered in small sequential doses of 1.5 ATA (equivalent to 16.5 feet below sea level), between 60, 90 or 120 minutes a day depending on the response. It is common to administer 40 treatments in the first phase of treatment. The question of further HBO therapy is then resolved by the medical team involved in each case and is dependent upon a number of factors. However, many believe that if improvement is observed in the first phase of treatment, then a break of one to four weeks should be taken, followed by another 40 HBO treatments.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy should be used with exercise programs, because lack of use in muscles and joints leads to changes that can only be reversed by exercise. All modalities of speech, occupational and physical therapy, biofeedback, and herbal remedies (depending on the age) are also utilized as a multi disciplinary brain repair regime. This is the best way of ensuring the most complete recovery possible.

Documentation now exists that clearly shows HBOT can dramatically improve CP symptoms. A Brazilian study revealed spasticity reduction in 94 percent of its patients. Improvements have also been seen with vision, hearing, and speech. However, one should understand that improvement will vary from patient to patient.