Neurological Injuries

Neurological Injury Treatment | Cerebral Palsy | Georgia | Atlanta | Decatur

Child being treated for brain injuiry.

Neurological injuries are complex conditions that affect the function of the brain in a number of different ways. Many of these conditions are chronic and have no cure, but can be effectively managed through long-term treatments. Neurological conditions may be present at birth, or may be the result of trauma or disease. Many of these injuries and conditions greatly affect the patient's quality of life as they hinder mental functioning, motor skills and more. There are several different types of neurological conditions, including cerebral palsy, autism, Bell's palsy, multiple sclerosis, brain injuries, stroke and more.

These conditions can cause symptoms such as seizures, mental impairment, vision and hearing problems, growth problems and sensation and perception problems. Emergency conditions such as stroke and brain injuries can lead result in serious complications and even death if not properly treated.

How do neurological injuries occur?

In many neurological injuries, no direct cause can be identified. While pregnancy and birthing complications account for a small amount of cases, many show no signs of damage or injury to the brain, and therefore appear to be a result of improper communication between the brain and the rest of the body. These conditions can often be improved by increasing the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain to promote and improve the function of tissues and nerves.

How can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy help treat neurological conditions?

HBOT is one of the most effective and least invasive treatments available for neurological conditions. Many of these conditions have no cure or can only be corrected through major surgery or lifelong therapeutic treatments. HBOT can help improve brain function through an increased oxygen delivery.

HBOT is effective in restoring oxygen to deprived areas of the brain and reviving living tissue that has previously been unable to function. It can also reduce swelling and excess fluid in the brain that place pressure on certain areas of the brain and inhibit functioning. HBOT can also help create new blood vessels in the brain to restore a healthy blood supply and keep the brain functioning to the best of its abilities.

The number of HBOT sessions required to treat neurological conditions depends on the patient's individual condition. HBOT is often administered for one hour, either once or twice a day for five or six days a week. This extensive treatment session ensures that sufficient oxygen is being pumped to the brain to help improve vision, hearing and speech functions, along with more control over movement.

Is HBOT safe for patients with neurological conditions?

Patients with neurological conditions can confidently undergo HBOT without any potential risk of worsening their condition or other adverse effects. However, many patients may experience temporary side effects such as temporary partial hearing loss and temporary changes in visual acuity, although these effects often go away on their own within a few days.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy may be used as either primary or adjunctive care in:

Cerebral Palsy

More than 500,000 Americans have Cerebral Palsy (CP). There are more than 4,500 new cases of CP each year. The term cerebral palsy is not a diagnosis, but a term that is used to describe a group of chronic disorders—specifically, motor disorders—which impair the control of movement. These disorders usually appear in the first few years of life.

Cerebral Palsy results from hypoxic (low oxygen) injury at birth. Motor skills and speech frequently improve with Hyperbaric Oxygen treatment.

Hyperbaric Oxygen restores brain function by:

Restoring oxygen to deprived areas of the brain.
Reviving living, but nonfunctioning brain tissue.
Creating new blood vessels in the brain.

HBOT, oxygen under pressure, is able to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels, which are then able to deliver the blood and fire up function in the areas of the brain that have been deprived of oxygen. This effect can be seen years after the occurrence of the initial damage.

For Cerebral Palsy, treatment is administered at 1.5 ATA – equal to 16.5 feet below sea level. Patients on average receive 20 – 80 treatments. Treatments are given daily and last about an hour. There is minimal risk involved.

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