Cerebral Palsy refers a condition caused by brain injuries either in utero, during delivery, or in the post partum period.   The brain is damaged either by trauma or by diminishing cerebral circulation.  

   It has been shown with stroke patients (whose brain damage can be identical to that of a CP patient) the brain cells deprived of oxygen do not always die.  In fact, as long as a trickle of blood can still reach the damaged area, the brain cells can stay alive for up to 13 years after an injury.   

    Brain Repair Still Possible Even Years  Later

    In a study by Dr. Neubauer he says:

"...that the brain tissue dies from a blood and oxygen shortage lasting more than a few minutes, is no longer valid.   A different concept has been slowly evolving over the past 25 years that the death of brain cells occurs only when the flow of blood falls below a certain level (approximately 8-10 ml/100 gr./min.) while at slightly higher levels the tissue remains alive but not able to function."¹

    Up to 80% of the brain cells involved in an injury may be in this state of suspended animation.  Hyperbaric oxygen has been shown to be able to wake up these "sleeping" brain cells, often with miraculous results.  It is very similar to sitting in an uncomfortable position for too long and finding that your foot has fallen asleep.  There is no feeling in the foot nor do you have any control over it in this condition.  All that is needed is to get the blood back into the foot for it to function again. 

    Hyperbaric oxygen is the way that oxygen can be brought back into the areas of the brain that have been damaged. 

 While high levels of oxygen is not given to infants or premature babies because it can cause a type of blindness called retrolental fibroplasia.  Hyperbaric oxygen does not cause this effect, and so is completely safe for children and infants.

Clinical Improvements in Spasticity

    Many case studies have been done using Hyperbaric Oxygen for Cerebral Palsied children, all with remarkable successes.

    Dr. Machado's study of Hyperbaric oxygen for Cerebral Palsy in Brazil yields the following impressive figures:

  "We have found that in 218 (94.78%) patients, there was a clear reduction of spasticity (nearly 50% less, assessed by our index).  Frequently, the clonus or the Babinski sign would disappear, with better plantar support and abolition of the leg 'scissoring'.

    We noticed that 75.6% of patients had persisting reduction of spasticity and improved motor control.  In addition, the parents reported other improvements, such as better balance, the child being more attentive and more 'intelligent,' with a reduced frequency of convulsions and episodes of bronchitis."

  Dr. Machado in Brazil states that: "... a significant reduction of spasticity implied better performance of the nervous system as a whole... we do believe that oxygen at higher dosages plays an important role in the rehabilitation of neurobiological patients" 

   Affordable Hyperbaric Chambers

       Up until now Hyperbaric chambers cost $80,000 and up with individual sessions at a clinic ranging from $200 to $300 an hour.  Now you can own and operate your own portable hyperbaric oxygen chamber.  It costs only $20,000 and it can be paid for over time for as little as $16 a day.   This chamber is capable of pressures of up to 2ATA with 100% oxygen breathed in through  mask. 

    These chambers are ideal for individuals or support groups that want the benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen, without the high cost.  For more information on our portable hyperbaric oxygen chambers, click here.