HBOT for Autism

HBOT

HBOT (hyperbaric oxygen therapy) is one treatment we have not yet done and are still debating about it. Even if we had the money.....(we don't), it can be risky. Since we have seizure potential in our family (a close family member has been on medicine for seizures for years), I don't want to possibly lower Caleb's threshhold with HBOT thus potentially making seizures more likely. Since Caleb's never had seizures, I don't want to start now or ever! Most people say hbot is helpful in treating seizures, but there are those who claim it has caused them to begin which is why it just isn't on our agenda yet. I have heard MANY success stories, however, which makes it sound great. You be the judge, and feel free to let me know if it worked for you or not. Caleb's doctor had recommended HBOT before our summer started, so I had done some research on it. Here's what I found and feel free to do more research in your state. Michigan has only a few places where we could go that are over 3 hours away, or we could rent one for about $1,500 a month or buy one for $12,000+. HBOT usually requires a commitment of "40 dives" or sessions in an hbot machine. Also, there are 2 types of hbot, but most success I've heard about in autism comes with the mild type or lower pressure.

• Here is the science behind hbot:

The rationale behind using hyperbaric for Autism is that the treatments increase cerebral blood flow and thus oxygen is delivered to areas of the brain, which are thought to be oxygen deficient. Greater amounts of blood and oxygen begin to stimulate cerebral tissues and aid in recovery of idling neurons. HBOT also reduces excess fluids and swelling of brain tissues which aid in neurological function and a less confused state in Autistics. Hyperbaric is also used as a complementary therapy for the treatment of heavy metal detox for such materials as mercury. Hyperbaric assists in the metabolism of heavy metal removal. It can help a patient counteract the effects of heavy metal poisoning and helps body deal with toxins even as noxious as cyanide. It is often used in conjunction with chelation and other detox procedures to help support the body to deal with the impact commonly seen in the removal of heavy metals, mercury, toxins, and other contaminants. (all courtesy of www.hbotreatment.com/Autism.htm)

• Here's some info showing both the good and bad of hbot:

links: http://www.autismstreet.org/weblog/?p=36 http://www.hypertc.com/testimonials/2005_September_Newsletter_email.pdf The Pressure Point; International Hyperbaric Association Newsletter; article on Autism http://www.drneubrander.com/Files/Pressure%20Point%20Autism2006%20Summer%20Special%2 0Newsletter.pdf More on Autism
http://photoninthedarkness.com/?p=131 (negatives of hbot)

• HBOT links including renting/buying/and in MIchigan:

• http://www.spectrumhyperbarics.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=22&Itemid=71 (latest hbot research in autism) http://www.hhi-kc.com/whatis.htm
• http://www.tacanow.com/medical/hbot.htm
• http://www.bodyspecific.com/main/services.aspx (hbot rental) http://www.healingwithhbot.com/OxfordStaff.htm (one site in MI)
• http://www.kid-power.org/hbo.html
• MICHIGAN Macomb/Clinton Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine, LLC. 43475 Dalcoma Dr. Ste. 150 Clinton Township, MI. 48038 (586) 228-7308 FAX: (586) 228-7315WEBSITE: www.hyperbaricandwoundcare.com Metro Hyperbaric and Wound Healing Center20210 E 9 mile St. Clair Shores, MI PHONE: (586) 772-3403 FAX: (586) 771-1603 EMAIL: info@michiganhyperbaric.com WEBSITE: http://www.michiganhyperbaric.com

• Possible alternatives to HBOT (including perfusion supplements)

supplements: vinpocetine; a-l-carnitine; huperzine; gingko, Oxydrene, nutritional oxygen products http://www.autismweb.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=112600&sid=bce9136f4a0e730ded470bcfb49ad814