Treatment Of Autism

With Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (mHBOT)

Written by David Rovetti, DC |

Autism cases have skyrocketed in the past decade and it is now the third most prominent development condition of children today. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired communication and social interaction. It may also be accompanied by cognitive impairment and sometimes epilepsy. Its cause remains unknown, although there is some evidence that genetic, environmental, and immunological factors may all play a role.

The physiological changes that typically occur with children with autism have been studied quite extensively. Among other things, three characteristics have been noted in children with autism:

1) Cerebral hypoperfusion/hypoxia. Inflammation of the blood vesicles in and around the brain is most likely the cause of decreased blood flow and oxygen to key areas of the brain.

2) Neuroinflammation. A 2005 study showed an active inflammatory process in the brain, specifically the cerebral cortex, white matter, and the cerebellum of patients with autism.

3) Gastro-Intestinal inflammation. Enlarged lymph nodes and intestinal ulcers are common findings.

As a side note, it has been theorized that some of the behaviors associated with autism such as head-banging and irritability fits could be a direct response to inflammation in the brain or gut.

Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (mHBOT) is the application of concentrated oxygen (usually 95-100 percent pure oxygen) while in a chamber that is pressurized. The result is a dramatic increase of oxygen in all the fluids of the body—not just the red blood cells, but the plasma, lymph and cerebral spinal fluid.

Perhaps the most dramatic physiological phenomena of this increased oxygen is a significant anti-inflammatory reaction. Simply put, HBOT reduces, if not completely stops, inflammation anywhere in the body. The three traits listed above, common in all children with autism, are inflammatory conditions.

A recent study by Dan Rossignol, MD sponsored by the International Hyperbaric Association looked at the C – reactive protein in the blood, which is an indicator of inflammation in the body.  Immediately after hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the C – reactive protein decreased significantly. This study also looked at various behavior and cognitive traits. They found improvement after 20 sessions in subject’s lethargy, motivation, mannerisms, sensory awareness, speech and cognition.

HBOT is not a cure. However, many experts have noted that HBOT supports greater and faster improvements with ancillary behavioral therapies like the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Lovaas learning programs for children with autism.

An Internet search of “HBOT and Autism” will yield hundreds of testimonials of the benefits and successes of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of Autism.

References:

1. University of California, Davis. Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders – MIND Institute.

2. Wilcox, I et al. Neuropsychobiology. 2002: 45: 81-86.

3. Vargas, DL. Annals of Neurology. 2005: 57: 933.

4. Rossignol, D. Medical Hypotheses. 2006: 68(5): 931-1190.

For more info, contact Dr. David Rovetti, Doctor of Chiropractic at (775) 324-3700.