Hyperbaric
oxygen therapy, also called (HBOT), involves breathing pure oxygen
while in a sealed chamber that has been pressurized at 1.5 to 3
times normal atmospheric pressure and has been one of the
alternative therapies for autism for some time now. Typically used
for scuba divers who surface too quickly and are afflicted with “the
bends,” the use of HBOT has been reported to improve those suffering
from a variety of maladies: everything from arthritis, sports
injuries, multiple sclerosis, stroke, cerebral palsy, AIDS….you name
it.
Because of
scarcity of scientifically validated studies, the FDA typically
flags its “non endorsement” of HBOT for many of these afflictions
and has only issued its approval when it comes to treating
decompression sickness, gangrene, brain abscess, air bubbles in the
blood, and injuries in which tissues are not getting enough oxygen.
This may start to change, at least at it regards autism spectrum
disorders, with the study released this week by BMS Pediatrics.
The study, which was a randomized, double-blind controlled study of
62 children found that of the 40 hours of HBOT given over the course
of a month, “(30%) in the treatment group were rated as ‘very much
improved’ or ‘much improved.” These improvements included being more
responsive when others spoke with them, improved eye-contact,
increased sociability, and decreased irritability along with a
better tolerance for noise. The study saw most significant reports
of benefit from children age 5 or more and those with less severe
ASD.
Because of its still “alternative” nature of treatment today – this
week’s study notwithstanding-- HBOT is typically not covered by
insurance – and it’s not inexpensive, ranging from $100-150+ per
treatment from individual independent HBOT operators (doctors,
centers, etc.) which are widely available. For those that seek to
purchase their own HBOT chamber, the soft case chambers can easily
run $15,000 with the hard encased ones can be much more expensive.
A soft chamber
is a chamber that is built of some sort of frame and covered with a
soft yet strong fabric shell. They are collapsible, more portable,
lighter, cheaper, but cannot endure the pressure levels that a hard
chamber can. A hard chamber is made of metal and glass and is not
collapsible. It is heavier, not portable, and more expensive but can
withstand higher pressure increases.
In regards to training, some of the chambers are very user-friendly
and can be operated from instructions provided by the manufacturer
of the chamber. These manufacturers also offer live telephone
support to operate the machines as well. Of course, for a fee, you
can pay to have an expert from the manufacturer come and train you
in your home.
While this recent study provides the beginning of scientific
validation for HBOT, it should be considered along with other
therapies as supplementary, not as a replacement or “cure.”
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