How to Use Hyperbaric Chamber Therapy for Cerebral Palsy

A Standard Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a treatment modality that is available in many medical institutions and hospitals across the country. The treatment consists of placing the patient into an enclosed chamber where 100% Oxygen is administered below atmospheric pressure. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (also known as HBO Therapy) is standard treatment for many medical conditions which respond to improved circulation and oxygenation of body tissues.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. The most important component about making a decision on one's healthcare and treatment options is to be fully informed. Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatments are effective for a variety of conditions, such as the treatment of osteomyelitis, chronic or infected wounds, and diabetic neuropathy as examples. References for Standards of Practice-which are professional standards of quality care-for specific HBO Treatments can be found on the website of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society. Included there is a list of approved medical conditions for Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatments. Any other conditions, such as Cerebral Palsy and other brain injuries, are considered "off-label" conditions, meaning they are not recognized as being indicated for HBO treatments. Therefore, reimbursement by third party payers is unlikely.

2. There have been isolated cases where HBO has been successfully used for many off-label conditions such as Cerebral Palsy. Successful treatment has consisted of a combination of a nutritious healing diet with intensive Occupational and Physical Therapies that resulted in some improvement for Cerebral Palsy patients.

3. Most mainstream health insurances companies do not reimburse for HBO treatments for off-label medical conditions. However, on a rare occasion, and with enough documentation to support improvement in a patient's condition, exceptions have been made. For example, in the State of California Medi-Cal (Medicaid) has paid for HBO treatments for specific patients based upon documentation which supports the improved quality of life for these patients. It is best to speak with a knowledgeable Medicaid Case Worker in your area to learn specifics.

4. The protocols for HBO treatment of any medical condition are specific to the patient's individual needs. For example, a patient with a Diabetic foot ulcer typically will receive treatments between 2 to 2.4 ATA (atmospheric pressure) for a period of weeks, to months, depending upon the progress of the ulcer. In the case of Cerebral Palsey, the pressure is usually lower and the treatment times shorter than other medical conditions. The average lengthy of treatment may be from 15 to 30, as well as a maintenance schedule that patients return to if their condition warrants once initial treatments are completed.

5. It is important to note that most medical institutions and hospitals that offer Hyberaric Oxygen Therapy do not treat off-label medical conditions. The reason may be obvious, in that insurances generally do not cover off-label, Standard Protocols have not been developed, or are slow to be developed, and the liability and potential for financial loss is too great of a risk. However, there are many free-standing (meaning not associated with a medical institution) HBO Centers that do offer treatment for off-label conditions, and operate within the law of the respective states. These treatments are usually provided based upon cash payment by the patient of family. Prices may vary from $100-$250 per HBO Treatment.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to do your homework, calling insurance companies, getting referrals, and researching protocols for HBO treatment of Cerebral Palsy. It is important to understand your options and the cost vs. benefit of the treatments for your particular situation.

• Buyer beware: While laws are created to prevent what has been traditionally known as "snake oil" scams or practices by "charlatans" and the like, this in no way prevents persons who prey on the desperation of people from operating outside of the law. The practice of HBO Therapy is no different. Be sure to research well and get referrals once you decide on a treatment center, especially from a free-standing clinic.

Resources

• International Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Association