Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a specialized therapy using increased atmospheric pressure to allow the body to incorporate more oxygen into blood cells, blood plasma, cerebral-spinal fluid, and other body fluids. Original HBOT involves inhaling oxygen with high pressure (above 1.5 ATA). Recently low pressure HBOT chamber (less than 1.4 ATA) with or without additional oxygen has also been introduced due to its low cost and reduced risk factors. Studies have shown that HBOT helps tissue healing process by improving hypoperfusion (lack of circulation) in brain tissue, reducing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, and improving stem cell mobilization and immune function.

 

Applications

 

According to International Hyperbarics Association, HBOT can be used to treat Stoke, diabetic foot wounds, air and gas embolism, carbon monoxide poisoning and smoke inhalation, gas gangrene, decompression sickness, acute mountain sickness, cerebral palsy, brain injuries, near-drowning, thermal burns, anemia, wound healing, crush injuries, bone grafts, etc. Based on Dr. Daniel Rossignol’s pioneer study, HBOT also helps to solve behavior issues of autistic children and improve their brain development.

 

Risk and Side Effects

 

Comparing to other therapies, side effect of HBOT is minimal. The most common complaint is the ear and sinus problems caused by pressure changes, similar to when you travel with airplane. This problem is temporary and resolves when HBOT is completed. To prevent the ear problem, the patients can be taught autoinflationary techniques before the therapy to promote adequate clearing of the ears during treatment. Some patients experience temporary changes in eyesight. These are minor and occur only in those individuals who have large numbers of treatment. Vision usually returns to normal within weeks following the end of treatment.

 

Other side effects such as claustrophobia and oxygen toxicity (when 100% oxygen is used with hood/mask) are rare. With low pressure HBOT, patients usually do not breathe in 100% oxygen with mask, the oxygen related side effect can be easily prevented.

 

Contraindications

 

Asthma attack, upper respiratory tract infection and sinus infection, viral infection, high fever, cold and flu, history of ear surgery and severe ear disorders, Pneumothorax (a pocket of air trapped in the pleura), Emphysema with CO₂ retention, history of seizures, and pregnancy. 

 

Research on Autism with HBOT

 

Rossignol suggests that HBOT compensates for decreased blood flow by increasing oxygen content of plasma and body tissues. HBOT has potent anti-inflammatory effects and reduces oxidative stress. HBOT mobilizes stem cells from human bone marrow, which may aid symptoms in autistic children. Rossignol also provided a 6-children case study with low pressure HBOT and showed improvement in all 6 children and no adverse effects noted.

 

Reference

 

Rossignol D. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may improve symptoms in autistic children, Medical Hypotheses (2006) 67, 216-228