Cerebral palsy is a term that encompasses a group of neurological disorders that affect muscle movement in the body. Some cerebral palsy occurs due to injury, but all cerebral palsy is caused by abnormal brain development that happens sometime during early childhood, infancy, or even in the womb. Whether trauma-related, illness-related, or medication-related, these events deprive the brain of oxygen. Cerebral palsy is usually diagnosed in infancy or early childhood.
When brain tissue is deprived of oxygen, cerebral palsy can occur. But what happens when brain tissue is given a chance to absorb more oxygen than it usually would? Could hyperbaric oxygen therapy be effective in treating patients with cerebral palsy? Today, more and more studies say yes. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or HBOT, is being used to treat patients with cerebral palsy and brings remarkable results.
Can HBOT Help Patients with Cerebral Palsy?
What is HBOT? HBOT, or hyperbaric oxygen therapy, is a treatment during which patients relax in a chamber where they breathe 100% oxygen under increased pressure. The chamber is pressurized with 100% oxygen so they don’t have to wear a mask or hood. Patients won’t feel anything unusual, except for the first and last 5-7 minutes, they will feel the need to pop their ears to equalize the change in pressure (like landing in an airplane). HBOT causes the body to take in about 15 times more oxygen which reduces inflammation and speeds tissue repair, resulting in multiple benefits to the patient.
How Can HBOT Help Individuals with Cerebral Palsy?
HBOT can be an effective form of treatment for patients with cerebral palsy. HBOT boosts oxygen flow to damaged brain areas, promoting recovery and improved function. Through increased oxygen, brain cells can rejuvenate, giving them a chance to repair and function more effectively. Our patients have experienced improvements in motor skills, reduced muscle spasticity, and enhanced cognitive abilities, making HBOT a promising component in their treatment plans.
Results
Although studies have shown somewhat mixed results, HBOT has been most successful when used immediately after the brain’s loss of oxygen. The majority of HBOT studies in patients with cerebral palsy showed positive improvements in independent function. Other studies showed a reduction in spasticity after hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Overall, results have been largely positive for treating cerebral palsy with HBOT.
Baromedical Associates
If you or a family member is looking for the treatment of cerebral palsy through HBOT, it may be time to contact Baromedical Associates. As the industry-leading clinicians in our field, we are happy to provide a healing touch to patients with cerebral palsy who need oxygen therapy. Our hyperbaric oxygen chambers are large, comfortable and see through, offering children the chance to watch their favorite TV program while benefitting from the effects of intense oxygen treatment. For more information, contact us or visit our website.
Sources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8465921/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11558483/
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(00)05136-9/fulltext
https://www.cerebralpalsyguidance.com/cerebral-palsy/treatment/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/
