Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO)

Oxygen? The number one nutrient our body uses to produce energy and maintain good health and performance . Without it we could not survive. It is absorbed by the red blood cells in the blood, then transported throughout the body to nourish tissues and generate the growth of new cells. Today, there is an increasingly popular oxygen treatment therapy used in medical rehabilitation for treatments of various brain injuries, disorders or illnesses associated with a lack of oxygen on a cellular level. Adults and children with cerebral palsy around the world are being treated with oxygen. This treatment is called (HBO) Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. Research has shown the HBO therapy has improved symptoms of cerebral palsy.

HBO is a medical treatment approved by the FDA, that uses 100% oxygen to speed and enhance the body's natural ability to heal. It is given in a specially, hospital equipped, hyperbaric chamber that simulates being beneath sea level causing increased atmospheric pressure. The length of time in the chamber varies with each patient. The patient lies in a bed and is administered oxygen under these pressure conditions. Treatments are non-evasive and painless. It is used to reduce any pressure within the brain caused by swelling, restoring function of the blood brain barriers and cell membranes. For instance, cerebral palsy describes a brain injury most commonly caused by trauma or lack of oxygen to the brain. What happens with HBO therapy is it delivers high doses of oxygen to the damaged neurons of the brain and revives them. Increasing capacity and providing the optimum internal element for the growth of new brain tissue.

Brain scans are given to patients during HBO therapy. These scans in some cases have shown capillary healing, fluid leakage and swelling decreases and blood supply restored to previously oxygen brain tissue. However, HBO therapy is not an absolute cure, but an approach to warrant the most complete recovery or improvement of symptoms for the patient. Depending on the severity of brain damage, improvement will vary with each patient.

My son has moderate cerebral palsy. This type of therapy intrigues me and I would absolutely consider it for my son at some point. Except, I still would like to hear of more proven research on HBO. I'd like to hear your feelings or experiences with HBO. Perhaps, we could have a discussion on the subject. Send an e-mail or start a discussion below.

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