Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy A Promising New Treatment Option Dr. Wade Rinehart, PT, DPT Dr. Andrew D. McAllister, D.O.
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy? Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (“HBOT”) is a method of delivering pure oxygen at two to three times greater than atmospheric pressure to a patient in order to improve or correct a medical condition.
Delivery of pressurized oxygen Providing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber can deliver 10 to 15 times more oxygen than if it was delivered at normal atmospheric levels.
What can HBOT do? • HBOT promotes growth of new blood vessels • Strong anti-inflammatory action and decrease edema • Improve immune system function (to fight infection) • Deactivates and clears out toxins and metabolic waste • Decrease oxidative stress through up-regulating oxidant enzymes. • HBOT has shown to mobilize stem cells from bone marrow to systemic circulation
Who can benefit from HBOT?
Evidence-based medicine • The Undersea & Hyperbaric Society (“UHMS”) has partnered with the FDA to approve several clinical uses in the United States for HBOT.
Current approved conditions for HBOT • Air or gas embolism • Carbon monoxide poisoning • Decompression sickness • Gas gangrene • Crush injury / acute traumatic ischemia • Skin grafts and flaps • Diabetic foot ulcers / wound care • Exceptional blood loss anemia • Necrotizing soft tissue infection • Osteomyelitis • Delayed radiation injury
Off-label HBOT treatment conditions • Ischemic leg pain • Sickle cell crisis • Cerebral palsy • Autism • Facial palsy • Central and branch retinal occlusion • Ulcerative colitis • Aseptic osteonecrosis • Sports injury • Stroke (acute and chronic) • Head injuries
Contraindications of HBOT • Absolute contraindication: • Pneumothorax or collapsed lung injury • Relative contraindications: • Upper respiratory infection & chronic sinusitis • High fever • Asthma • Pregnancy • Severe emphysema or COPD
How may HBOT benefit children with autism? • The mechanism of action of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in treating autism is not entirely known, but recent studies suggest: • Increased cerebral blood flow • Immune function enhancement • Diminished gastrointestinal inflammation and inflammatory markers
SPECT Imaging: Before & After HBOT • SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) shows improvements from HBOT that is sustained over time.
Measurement of HBOT Outcomes • In a study, children with autism who received Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at 1.5 ata and 100% oxygen for 40 (45 minute) treatments were measured using: • The Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) • The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) • The Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS)
HBOT Study Outcomes • Parents reported significant improvements in: • Irritability • Lethargy • Hyperactivity • Motivation • Sensory and cognitive awareness
Overall Reported Outcomes • Improvements were shown in: • Overall functioning • More language • Calmer and more affectionate • Better eye contact • More “present” • Less sensory disturbance • Less obsessions • Improved sleep • Improved focus / attention • Improved cognition • Improved bowel health • Social improvements
Reported Side Effects of HBOT • Barotrauma • Sinus squeeze • Serious otitis • Claustrophobia • Reversible myopia • Seizures (incidence is 1-3 in 10,000 cases)
Most common side effects of HBOT* • Nervousness • Mood swings *This is due to the greater awareness and independence brought on by therapy.
Evidence Based Medicine Based on recent study evidence, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy offers to be a promising treatment for children with autism.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is… Safe Non-invasive Works well with other treatments
Hyperbaric Centers of Excellence 11501 Hutchison Blvd Panama City Beach, FL 32407 Located in the Village of Grand Panama
Our Hyperbaric Chamber
Our Hyperbaric Seating • Our chamber will comfortably seat 12 patients plus 2 of our medical team. • Our goal is to provide maximum patient comfort during every treatment.
Our Commitment Our team is committed to delivering a superior healing experience to our patients at a fraction of hospital cost!
Interested in Our Services? Please call us at (850) 502-2015 to schedule a tour of our clinic. Find out how Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy may be a new treatment option for your child.
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