Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Autism
Spectrum Disorders
by Rashmi Gulati, MD
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been utilized to treat autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in many countries across the globe. The rationale behind the use of hyperbaric therapy for ASD is that treatments increase cerebral blood flow, and thus oxygen delivery to areas of the brain thought to be oxygen-deficient. Greater amounts of blood and oxygen stimulate cerebral tissues and aid in recovery of idling neurons. HBOT also reduces excess fluids and swelling of brain tissues, thought to aid neurological function in autistic individuals.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is also used as a complementary therapy for the treatment of heavy metal detoxification for such toxins as mercury. Hyperbaric therapy is thought to assist in the removal of heavy metals. It can help a patient counteract the effects of heavy metal poisoning and the body to cope with noxious toxins such as cyanide. It is often used in conjunction with chelation and other detox procedures to help the body cope with the impact commonly seen in the removal of heavy metals, mercury, toxins, and other contaminants.
In one study involving brain functionality and recovery for children with chemical exposures exhibiting pervasive development disorders (PDD), hyperbaric oxygen therapy was found to be remarkably effective. Treatments consisted of a total of 10 sessions in a hyperbaric chamber at 1.3 ATA, for one hour per day, five consecutive days, over two weeks. To increase validity of the study results, tomography scans of each patient's brain were taken before and after the hyperbaric treatments to quantify physical changes to the brain tissue. The scans showed an increase to blood flow and oxygen to the temporal lobe. Scans of patients taken before hyperbaric oxygen treatments showed a significant amount of dormant activity, while scans of patients’ brains taken after hyperbaric oxygen treatment indicated an increase in brain activity and blood flow in the dormant regions.
Scientists have varying opinions on why hyperbaric oxygen therapy is so successful as a treatment for the condition. Some theories suggest that the brain in some persons with ASD, as well as cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders, is lacking oxygen, and in a dormant or sleeping state due to lack of blood flow. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy forces oxygen into tissues throughout the body, including brain tissues and fluid, resulting in a reawakening of dormant areas of the brain.
Other theories propose that inflammation and immune dysfunction may be involved in the disorder. Markers of inflammation are shown to decrease in hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Factors involved in the immune response are likewise down-regulated by HBOT. In addition, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is thought to provide an optimal condition for the regeneration of brain tissue.
Patients Medical makes no claims as to hyperbaric oxygen therapy efficacy for any condition other than the indications approved by the FDA. Information within this site is provided for informational and educational purposes only. This information is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your personal physician or any other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.
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Date of Publication: 09/05/2005
Article Last Updated: 11/17/2011