Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is one of the most widely touted alternative treatments for cerebral palsy. While the FDA has not approved HBOT for the use in treatment of cerebral palsy, there’s enough anecdotal evidence among both parents and doctors regarding its efficacy that treatment centers have cropped up specifically for patients with cerebral palsy. In addition recent studies, including one reported in Britain’s most renowned medical journal, The Lancet, have concluded that HBOT may significantly assist a child with cerebral palsy.

HBOT  doesn’t cure cerebral palsy, but it can significantly improve its symptoms. How does HBOT work? During treatment, your child will be placed in a sealed pressure chamber, and will breathe 100 percent oxygen at a pressure below that of sea level. This increase in oxygen allows undamaged nerve cells in areas surrounding the damaged part of the brain—cells that may have “gone to sleep” because they are not receiving enough oxygen—to “wake up.” The increased oxygen in the brain may also lessen swelling and help new brain tissue to develop. The result is often a reduction in spasticity and other symptoms.

Kids with CP are generally prescribed a course of 40 treatments, which occur five or six days a week. Each treatment lasts 60 to 90 minutes. Like all CP therapies, early treatment is key. Most insurance companies routinely deny HBOT, but with strong advocacy and well-researched arguments they can be convinced to cover this benefit. See our legal/financial section for more information, or contact us to find out how we can help.

**A Class Action for HBOT is currently trying to be organized by an attorney named Richard Console. To learn more about this potential class action, look under our pro bono work section**