Focus On Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

Courtesy of Danielle’s Foundation

History of HBOT

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) involves the medical use of oxygen at a level higher than that of atmospheric pressure. The oxygen is delivered using a pressurized chamber and is administered by a trained medical professional.

HBOT is considered to be an effective treatment for certain medical conditions including cerebral palsy, brain injury, autism, multiple sclerosis, hearing loss, inflammatory bowel disease and Lyme disease.

Although widely touted as an effective alternative therapy for these conditions, HBOT is usually not covered by health insurance for use with any "off-label" condition. Unfortunately, this means most families are forced to pay out-of-pocket in order for their child to receive HBOT.

How Does HBOT Work?

During therapy, the child is placed in a chamber and breathes in 100% oxygen at a pressure below that of sea level. The increase in oxygen that the child inhales during the dive 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 essentially "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.

HBOT is considered a non-traumatic and non-invasive type of therapy. Most people describe the feeling as similar to the feeling you get when you fly in an airplane-- a slight amount of pressure that causes the ears to pop may be felt.

Hard vs. Soft Chambers

Most HBOT centers in the United States, provide the therapy using a hard-shelled chamber. Hard chambers range in size -- some are made for single patient use while others are large enough to accommodate multiple patients at one time. Even smaller chambers usually are large enough to accommodate a parent and child during the dive.

Soft-sided chambers are considered portable, made of flexible material that is inflated. Because the amount of oxygen used in these chambers is so low, they can be used in the home for personal use.

It's important to note that hard and soft chambers should not be considered equal in terms of effectiveness. The main difference is the dose of oxygen that is provided in each dive -- hard chambers are able to provide a higher pressure level of oxygen while soft chambers provide a relatively low dose of oxygen which often requires the patient to undergo more dives to see any type of improvement.

Benefits of HBOT

After completing a round of HBOT, or sometimes just a few dives, some parents have reported that their child who was unable to sit up or take a few steps independently, gains the ability to sit up for a short period or takes a few steps on his/her own.

Some children may see an improvement to their vision, decrease in seizure activity or an increase in their verbal skills. Other improvements may be more subtle -- some parents feel their child becomes more alert or less fussy.

On the flip side, some parents feel that HBOT does not produce substantial enough improvement to warrant the cost, or that multiple rounds of HBOT are required as maintenance to prevent regression. As with any medical decision, the decision to pursue HBOT should be one that is made carefully -- with careful consideration given to the benefits of the therapy, possible complications and an understanding of the financial repercussions.

Possible Complications

Risks associated with HBOT are similar to some diving disorders -- pressure changes can cause issues with the lungs, eardrums, vision and sinuses. Oxygen toxicity and seizures can also occur which is why it is essential that patients have periodic "air breaks" during which they breathe in normal room air.

Your child should be evaluated and examined carefully by a physician before starting HBOT -- certain conditions may prevent them from being able to receive HBOT. Also, if your child develops a fever or upper respiratory infection, you should hold off on HBOT as both can cause possible complications.

Cost and Funding

Each dive of HBOT typically costs between $100 and $200 -- with each round of treatment being comprised of 40 dives, the total cost can range anywhere from $4,000 and $8,000.

Some centers that offer additional therapy services along with HBOT can run even higher.

Although most insurance companies will not cover the cost HBOT for cerebral palsy or brain injury, families can try to appeal to their insurance company for coverage. For more information on health insurance appeals, contact us to request our newly revised Guide to Alternative Therapies and Treatments.

Some organizations, like Danielle's Foundation, offer grants to help off-set the cost of therapies not covered by insurance (like HBOT). In addition to applying for our Biannual Grant Program http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Zy-9LpCqnUrnt60uzzng_H69SY-lFbuZIfoRP40vKQPRr2X5TmMxVCJsWSatvzJ2ZHKU3yoGLRWiZwFM-jOP-PbeCpIBCUMDkOwnLFvclL_l4w0X08CLUJZ8yPLLu8D_VEV8Gd_4YD1kvKfJDieVXsh57Tn_cy7IW0BcS6lVqQTrRzZs41SzyA==

you may want to explore the following resources for HBOT funding:

* HOPE Fund http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Zy-9LpCqnUp-D839TydrYkgWffu_GMXlj07V9EKWQ3CJhkUMFHo9hmpGoloyhPxxO3S24lAOfsnQCEh2nwijrRwQP7sKZEY2VhlI9CLrdVzG1I5EPUSM7Owlx8Hc5Xl4C10ku6t-qVc=

* Gracie's Hope http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Zy-9LpCqnUo0YsfLhTta1viNhxbZUh4obDjUUkH1mbDtZQ5mjiWjJh3V5pjY2AcysHjSim7j5WcqlmizJ7LvuK7ilpgPNH51-yxOrXSH_s8SKKRVe-RZEA==

* Weber Foundation of Helping Hands http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Zy-9LpCqnUpm1AfrYdNcKRHC_MWNlRox0b0-7kPTbF01Cgqd-wqWRkvuj4g0OfS60qBfYwrGjX1zSqNXKiXVNw63xZToUrDAQ69_diV3d8wBudLGcYuXp8Y4G5ZkX1Ut (for families in CT, ME, MA, NH, NY, RI and VT only)