Every individual dreams of living a healthy life that is eventful and limitless!
However, instances wherein health afflictions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can affect the well-being of an individual to a great extent.
Medical professionals across geographies are in a constant quest to find treatment solutions that can help patients cope with ASD or TBI and help them live an enhanced quality of life.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a popular alternative treatment prescribed by numerous medical facilities for the last few decades to provide relief to patients affected by ASD or TBI.
To gain a better perspective on the role of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in autism and TBI treatment, listed herewith are a few insights that delve into the probable causes of these ailments whilst explaining the process of a hyperbaric treatment program.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neuro-developmental disorder wherein the lack of oxygenated blood supply to certain crucial areas of the human brain can result in impairment of basic cognitive functions in an individual, such as speech, recognition, bowel deregulation, motoring skills, memory, and more.
At times, autistic individuals face ostracization in society due to their behavioral patterns and inability to interact socially, thereby causing intense emotional trauma to the concerned patients and their guardians.
What are the Primary Causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder?
The causes of ASD are yet to be determined by the medical fraternity. ASD has been attributed to various complications that can occur during the prenatal or perinatal stage of pregnancy. Some experts attribute autism to genetic factors.
Other theories relate this neurological affliction to conditions known as Cerebral Hypoperfusion and Oxidative Stress. These ailments are known to curtail the flow of oxygenated blood supply to the brain tissues that are vital for basic body functions.
Children are known to display behavioral patterns associated with autism from the tender age of one. However, early diagnosis of the condition can make a world of difference to the autistic child as timely commencement of a requisite treatment option will help the child overcome the hurdles and hasten the speed of recovery.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
In the eventuality of an individual suffering a head injury due to an accident or impact, there is a high possibility of the brain tissues swelling up due to the brain concussion.
Moreover, if the swelling is left untreated, the fluid in the brain tissue begins to compress the blood cells in the impacted area, leading to reduced blood flow and oxygen deprivation. The low levels of oxygen in the affected areas of the brain can impair vital cell functions in the patient by destroying healthy brain tissues and causing incoherent speech, headache, loss of memory, and other serious life-threatening disabilities.
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy or HBOT Therapy? How is it Administered?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has been prescribed for centuries to treat various ailments that range from decompression sickness in divers to cases of gas embolism, chronic wound healing, and more. In recent years, HBOT Therapy has steadily gained popularity as a preferred treatment option to provide relief for autism and TBI-related cases.
The HBOT treatment sessions are prescribed by qualified hyperbaric specialists after the patient undergoes an extensive medical evaluation. As the therapy commences, the patient is placed in a pressurized chamber that is sterile and air-conditioned. The chamber comes equipped with a comfortable bed and a clear glass window. The patient is given the option of carrying a book or watching television through the glass window. This option is provided to the patients to ensure that they are in a relaxed state during the HBOT sessions.
Thereon, pure oxygen is administered at enhanced pressure levels that are approximately three times the normal atmospheric pressure. The pressure levels of the oxygen supply can range between 1.2 atm to 5 atm depending on the requisite dosage prescribed to the patient and is believed to restore damaged brain tissues after the therapy is undertaken regularly. The duration of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy ranges between 60-90 minutes per session, with 3 – 4 sessions a week, spanning over a 2 – 4 month period.
How does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Play an Important Role in Treating ASD?
Oxygen is known to be a natural healer and plays a pivotal role in HBOT Therapy.
The process of boosting the oxygenated blood flow to the affected parts of the brain results in the stimulation of dormant tissues, thereby promoting the regeneration of healthy blood cells and restoration of basic sensory functions such as speech, motoring abilities, and other cognitive capabilities.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for autistic patients is also believed to strengthen the immune system and reduce the ill effects of oxidative stress and cerebral perfusion.
Can TBI Cases Improve with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
The high concentration of pure oxygen in the blood supply that is introduced during HBOT therapy is essential to reduce the inflammation of the damaged neuron cells. This treatment also aids in banishing toxins from the human body and is known to induce neuroplasticity by infusing oxygen into all the deprived parts of the brain and assisting in the recovery process.
In Conclusion
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for autism and TBI cases can be administered under the guidance of a medical professional either at a large medical facility or in the comforts of a patient’s home through compact portable hyperbaric equipment.
HBOT therapy for autism and TBI cases is fast gaining ground as a favored treatment plan worldwide, and the future of hyperbaric science is appearing bright, teeming with possibilities that are waiting to be discovered!
