“Case Studies are studies that analyze what happens when a treatment is administered to actual people. These studies reveal whether or not a treatment works, what patients it works best for and so forth.”
Dr. Richard Neubauer M.D.
“Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy”
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy is a brain injury frequently associated with premature birth complicated with poor circulation, (ischemia) with low oxygen tensions (hypoxia) to the neurons (brain cells). This condition most often manifests itself by a delay in physical development with high muscle tone, (spasticity/hypertonia), low muscle tone (hypotonia), or both. There also can be seizures and a delay in motor skills, speech, swallowing, and or G.I. problems. These neurological problems can range from extremely mild to very severe.
Recently, positive studies and testimonials are hopeful in some patients. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, (HBOT) may help correct these complications by increasing the amount of oxygen (O2) dissolved in the plasma. Oxygen diffuses into the injured brain tissue directly from the plasma. It is hopeful that combined with physical, occupational, and other therapies, individuals with Cerebral Palsy can obtain positive results with reduction in spasticity, or an increase in tone and possibly a host of other improvements which are now being reported. Hyperbaric Oxygen centers, therapists, and Medical professionals are reporting improvements in sight, speech, and motor skills. In choosing Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, however parents and patients must understand that this form of therapy is considered experimental.
We hope that in the future Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy will be available without question for all children and adults with Cerebral Palsy, Stroke, hypoxic birth, and or accident.
Ref:
“Effects of HBOT on Cerebral Metabolism and intracranial pressure in Brain Injured Patients”
Dr. Philip James MD
“Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy”
Dr Richard Neubauer MD
“The Text Book Of Hyperbaric Medicine,” Vol. 3
K.K. Jain MD
“Anoxia”
Dr Philip B James MB ChB DIH PhD FFOM
Wolfson Hyperbaric Medicine Unit,
University of Dundee
Printed with Permission
