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.”
Source