HBOT in the treatment of Cerebral Palsy: A
Retrospective Study
Dr.
Pierre Marois
(Author
of Lancet Study)
M.D.,F.RC.P. (C) MICHAEL VANASSE, M.D. F.R.C.P. (e)
Centre
Hospitalier Universitaire Ste-Justine,
Abstract:
Introduction:
Many studies and numerous reports have demonstrated the positive effects of
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) on children with cerebral palsy.
These improvements with HBOT measured with
standardized and internationally recognized tools have been in most instances
more impressive than those obtained with the vast majority of other approved
treatments for cerebral palsy.
During the last three and a half years, we have
followed and evaluated more than two hundred children that were treated with
HBOT at the Clinique Hyperbare Magali for various chronic neurological
conditions. They have received series of 30 to 40 treatments with 100% oxygen at
1.5A T A. Standardized evaluation tools were used to measure the clinical
improvements and many children had Spect Scan before and after their treatments.
The majority (>65%) of children having the
diagnosis of cerebral palsy improved significantly in regard the gross motor
function as measured with the G.M.F.M. scale. More than 80% of the parents
reported improvements in other areas such as cognition, communication, fine
motor abilities and play. Most of the changes were maintained and seemed to be
permanent.
Children presenting other types of neurological
conditions have been treated, followed and evaluated. They had diagnosis of
autism, Down's syndrome, developmental delays, traumatic brain injuries, etc.
Again, we were able to measure persistent positive changes in the majority of
these children.
Some adults with cerebral palsy were also treated and
had surprising measurable changes in their motor function.
These data confirm our previous findings. HBOT could
be a valuable treatment for cerebral palsy and multiple other chronic
neurological conditions, even many years after the neurological damage have been
sustained. Further studies are needed to better understand the underlying
physiological mechanism behind these positive results and to eventually help us
define the best protocol and dosage.
Pierre Marois, M.D., is a noted pediatric specialist
in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the
Dr. Pierre Marois M.D., F.R.C.P.(c)
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Ste-Justine,
Centre de Readaptation Marie Enfant de I'Hospital