What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or HBOT, is a medical treatment in which pure oxygen is inhaled, in a total body chamber while atmospheric pressure is increased. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved hyperbaric oxygen therapy for treatment of 13 conditions, including stroke, burns, and carbon monoxide poisoning. These uses for HBOT are covered by insurance and recognized by the medical establishment.1
Recently, medical research (including several double blind studies) points to hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a coveted neuro-therapeutic method for brain repair, which may be good news for those suffering from autism, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, migraine headaches, metabolic disorders (which can lead to dementia and Alzheimer’s), as well as other neurological disease, impairment, or dysfunction.2 Despite such studies, the medical establishment seems to remain skeptical of the efficacy of HBOT in such “off label” uses. Due to overwhelming anecdotal evidence however, numerous doctors are beginning to see the efficacy of HBOT, and have begun to take it seriously, and give it a chance.
In a recent ESPN article on football, concussion, and TBI, Dr. Lee Fox of Jupiter Medical Center said that he wondered if HBOT could help the brain recover from long-term trauma. “A head injury is really just a wound of the brain,” according to Fox, “Why wouldn’t it work on a different type of wound?” Fox has eloquently summed up my personal view as well.
How Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Work?
HBOT is believed to jump start the body’s own healing processes by forcing oxygen deep into the tissues. During HBOT treatment the patient is placed in an enclosed pressurized environment while breathing 100% oxygen (ambient air contains 20% oxygen). The complementary components of this process (pressure and oxygen) transpire simultaneously, and work synergistically. The tissues are saturated with pure oxygen, and the pressurization of the chamber forces the oxygen deep into the tissue. This process pushes oxygen beyond the hemoglobin (red blood cells that carry oxygen) and into the blood plasma and interstitial fluid, (fluid between the cells)3 reaching tissue that has been traumatized and damaged by hypoxia.
Patients in medical grade chambers typically “dive” to 7.5 PSI (pounds per square inch) and 1.5 ATA (atmospheres absolute), for 60 minutes at the prescribed pressure, though more severe injuries may require a longer HBOT session, i.e., more time inhaling oxygen under pressure, and may require treatment at a greater ATA.
Types of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treatment Chambers
There are three types of chambers for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy treatment:
Free exclusive eBook, plus recipes and health tips, delivered to your inbox.
- Group chambers
- Individual chambers
- Home chambers
I have not witnessed HBOT treatment in a group chamber, but have heard it is highly effective.
As for individual hyperbaric chambers (which are also referred to as “hard” chambers) I’ve seen two types. The first looks like the cockpit of a tiny airplane. In this type of chamber the patient sits up. The second type of individual chamber is a bed enclosed in a hard acrylic bubble, this type allows the patient to lie down.
In either unit, the chamber is locked and sealed and then the patient is put under pressure. When the desired pressure is reached, the patient typically puts on a plastic hood and breathes 100% oxygen for one hour. After the hour, the chamber is brought back to normo-baric pressure (it typically takes about a minute per square inch). A patient would need around 9 minutes to get to a PSI of 9. It would also take 9 minutes to come back to normo-baric pressure from a PSI of 9.
HBOT home chambers look like tents and are referred to as “soft” chambers. They do not allow the patient to dive to the same depths as medical chambers and are therefore not thought to be as effective. Home chambers (which provide mild-hyperbarics) are legal in the US, though not in Canada.
Length of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treatment
Typical HBOT treatment may consist of 40 one hour sessions 5-6 days per week. By doing the treatments consecutively it is thought that new capillaries are forced to grow (this process is called angiogenesis) in tissues that may be oxygen starved, or suffering from hypoxia. Treatment is prescribed by a doctor and is customized to the individual’s condition. Some patients will receive a prescription for 80 treatments at sessions greater than one hour, and pressures higher than 1.5 ATA.
Cellular Improvement Observed from Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
As previously mentioned, during HBOT the body’s natural healing processes are activated when oxygen is pushed beyond the red blood cells and into blood plasma. Although no experts, nor studies that I reviewed, make the claim that HBOT can revive dead tissues, studies do indicate that damaged tissues can be revived by HBOT treatment.
Here are some of the observable cellular benefits of HBOT:4
- Increased tissue oxidation –more oxygen to the tissues
- Improved mitochondrial redox –the powerhouse of the cell loses an electron, similar to anti-oxidation
- Preservation of mitochondrial integrity –the powerhouse of the cell retains structure, avoiding damage
- Hindering of mitochondrial apoptotic pathways –prevents the mitochondria from dying prematurely
- Anti-inflammatory effects –reduce and or prevent inflammation in the cells and body
- Epigenetic effects –targeting of oxygen and pressure sensitive genes improves mitochondrial function
Conditions Treated by Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
As mentioned, double blind studies have shown the effectiveness of HBOT in treating victims of stroke, burn, and delayed wound healing. Other studies show improvements in a wide variety of quality of life issues; here is a comprehensive list of the conditions that HBOT can improve according to the medical literature:
- Stroke
- TBI5
- Severe Burns
- Diabetic Wounds
- Near Drowning
- Decompression Sickness
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- Osteomyelitis6
- Severe Anemia7
Dr. Harch Leading Expert on Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
In 2010, Dr. Paul Harch wrote The Oxygen Revolution, the premier book on HBOT, a comprehensive and worthy read. Dr. Harch has published several studies on HBOT, and has a website with extensive medical information. According to Harch, “Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves the quality of life of the patient in many areas when standard medicine is not working. Many conditions such as stroke, cerebral palsy, head injuries, and chronic fatigue have responded favorably to HBOT.”
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Military Veterans
A bill was introduced to congressional committee in January of 2015; if passed it would ensure access to HBOT at military medical facilities. There is significant anecdotal evidence that HBOT contributes to the healing of concussion and TBI.8, 9, 10
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Athletes
Olympic Swimmer Michael Phelps has used HBOT during his recovery, as has professional golfer Tiger Woods.11 In 2012, the Hall of Fame quarterback, Joe Namath, began HBOT. He had such great success, as documented in SPECT scans of his brain and cognitive testing, that he founded the Joe Namath Neurological Research Center in Jupiter Florida along with doctors Lee Fox and Barry Miskin, who plan to conduct a study testing the effects of HBOT on 100 people suffering from prolonged symptoms of brain injury.
Potential Side Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Side effects of HBOT include potential build up of fluid in, and rupture of the middle ear, claustrophobia (individual chambers are tiny and locked), as well as myopia in certain rare cases; though doctors report that the retina returns to its normal shape and eyesight is restored within a few months of the conclusion of HBOT.12
History of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Apparently, the use of treatments akin to hyperbaric oxygen therapy date back a couple hundred years, with some anecdotes suggesting such treatments first began in the 17th century.
In the 1930’s the military developed and tested HBOT to treat deep sea divers with decompression sickness. Otherwise known as the “bends,” decompression sickness occurs when a scuba diver comes to the surface of a body of water too quickly, causing nitrogen to build up in the body, and dangerously so in the brain. The treatment for the bends is HBOT (increased pressure with 100% oxygen).
Animals and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
As mentioned above, HBOT is an efficacious treatment for certain conditions suffered by humans; it is also a treatment used for animals. According to this paper from a veterinary journal:
Hyperbaric therapy utilizes several physiologic principles of how oxygen responds under pressure. The increase in concentration of oxygen in solution, based on its solubility under pressure, increases the diffusion gradient for its delivery deeper into tissues, which is the premise of HBOT. Ultimately the increases in dissolved oxygen generated by hyperbaric therapy have several physiologic effects that can alter tissue responses to disease and injury. As this technology becomes more available to clinical practice, HBOT should be considered as a therapeutic option [for animals].13
HBOT became a popular treatment for pets in the early 2000’s as an adjunct to traditional medical treatments. Before this a number of veterinarians had used hyperbaric therapy in small animal facilities. However, as HBOT gained popularity in the veterinary field, large animal hyperbaric chambers were developed and placed in many veterinary practices, rehabilitation facilities, and educational institutions in multiple countries. HBOT is now routinely used to treat swelling, trauma, non-healing wounds, and other ailments in animals including dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, and horses.14
Conclusion
Studies demonstrate that HBOT may assist in the healing of numerous conditions for which it is not currently approved by the FDA. Anecdotal evidence points to incredible results with HBOT for a variety of neurological conditions including autism, TBI, PTSD, and much more.
Whether or not you believe HBOT is an efficacious treatment or a scam, there is a lot to learn about it and the potential of this therapy is exciting for those of us with neurological issues that appear to be untreatable. What are your thoughts regarding HBOT? Leave a comment and let us know!
Janet says
We did a set of 40 dives for my son with autism. Mid way through, he started joining our conversations for the first time ever. Prior to HBOT, we could talk about him while in the same room and he would never pipe in. It was worthwhile, along with many other interventions. He is nearly recovered now.
Irina Grebennik-Babcock says
I am very touched about your daughter’s survival and your family life changes after receiving vaccines on Abigail. Fighting for her life, for your rights to know how to handle all of this. Is incredible and opening eyes on this real medical issue showing again that our most of the pediatrician does not know how to respond and guide parents. Thank you for sharing all your life changing and learning experience, your pain, your love to fight for your kid, your family. I wish your daughter full recovery and well deserved life acceptance and care. My heart is with you.
Paris G says
http://abigailesstory.blogspot.com/p/my-story.html. My daughter has done several years in a HBOT chamber and I will say I thank God for the time we did. She was having hundreds of uncontrolled seizures daily. We saw decreased seizures and she is no longer on seizure meds. This is 5 years later.
She also had Left eye exotropia from a stroke caused by vaccine injury. She was evaluated at a Childrens hospital as an infant and after several months of HBOT we saw remarked improvement. After about 2 years of therapy she didn’t even have a lazy eye.
We have spoken to many people that they felt it didn’t work for their children. Most people don’t give it enough time. It is a therapy, which means it needs to be delivered at a therapeutic level. With that being said it can take years to see progress. I certainly can not see that it can be bad being 100% oxygen> one drawback is that it is expensive. It is also good to make sure that where you are getting HBOT treatments are certified and that they are knowledgable about what they are doing. One clinic in Arkansas actually caused my daughter more seizures and more harm and no one regulates this industry. We have done HBOT in 3 different states with 2 providers being very credible. I wanted to share our blog if you look at the HBOT tab it gives more info.
HBOT also causes duplication of the Mitochondria and that is a very good thing!
Janis says
thNk you for sharing. My son has seizures and we haven’t been able to find anything to help much. Can you give some info about what to look for in a dr? Or any other info would be great! Thanks so much!
pat g says
I don’t know what state you are in. In Pittsburgh I believe AGH has HBOT. Call your local university medical school and they may have this.
Paris G says
Janis I am so sorry I am just now seeing this. I was scrolling google and found it. I believe that with seizures and finding the right Dr. is difficult considering insurance but it is possible.
I only use Integrative Dr.s now and have felt that our daughter is much better served because of it.
Follow Elanas recipes and eating clean and organic all the time has been a key factor as well.
Dr. Harsch I have heard many wonderful things about. Im not sure where you are in the country but there are many more out there.
Also Functional medicine Neurologists are up and coming in the treatment of epilepsy and seizures. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your son.
sharon rainey says
I have had 100+ sessions to help kill some Bartonella and Protomyxzoa Rheumatica. Amazing and helpful. My stem cell count skyrocketed after hbot. Major game changer. Son also had it before and after collarbone surgery – the surgeon was amazed at amount of bone growth at 3 month check up.
Sharon garrison says
Hi I wanted to know if Medicare covers this I have a lot of physical problems with my hands being disposed warmed and I have autoimmune disorder I’d be interested in knowing more about this and weather it’s covered by Medicare I live on a fixed income
Wendy says
I received HBOT following surgery for Osteomyelitis (severe and rare bone disease of the lower jaw). I was in a tunnel laying on a bed for approx 2 hours per day, 5 days per week for 6 weeks. The treatment takes longer as you must change into “hospital Scrubs”, the time taken to “go down then come back up ” depends on each patient and how quickly or slowly they equalize. I believe the treatment aided my recovery and was very grateful it was offered by my surgeon. The second surgery did not require the HBOT as I was healing well. Would recommend as a more natural treatment compared to further medications.
Paula Goldbeck says
Hi, Elana,
I too have MS as well. Have you tried it.? If insurance doesn’t cover the cost, is there a ballpark cost per treatment?
Jami says
I’ve been doing a combination of hyperbaric treatment for chronic Lyme disease for about two months now and I’ve noticed much improvement in my healing. The cost is $65.00 a treatment at http://www.proactivewellnessrockies.com.
Trevor says
If you are having success at 1.3 ATA (atmospheres absolute), imagine how much better it would be at 2.8 ATA which is the pressure scientifically proven to be effective for chronic Lyme.
mHBOT has been demonstrated in many studies to be little better than nothing, and much less effective than breathing pure oxygen at normal room temperature.
It is interesting that if you look at the list of HBOT references on the site, (many of the links don’t go anywhere) you will see that most of the research is done at pressures which “Mild” chamber bags can not reach. Where the research compares “Mild” chamber bags with real chambers, the higher pressure is always superior.
Their site doesn’t show any research for Lyme, because all of the Lyme and HBOT research shows that pressures of 2.8 ATA are needed for real results. The low pressures of Mild” bags do produce a reduction in some of the symptoms for some people, but for real, long term results, nothing compares with real HBOT.
Catie says
I am treating lyme disease with mHBOT and have been daily diving for over 6 months with great results. I have much less brain fog, more energy and general stamina, and am almost pain free. Higher pressures do not always produce better results, particularly if treating chronic conditions.
David says
There are no NIH studies currently saying high pressure is better than low (2 vs 1.5). Studies clearly show benefits for both but no comparisons.
Catie says
More is not always better for neuro conditions and can at times be harmful.
Elana says
Catie, agreed. That is why we do all sorts of testing on me to make sure among other things, that lipid peroxides do not get too high.
Selma says
I have a friend who was housebound for 7 years after 3 years treatment for chronic lyme disease. She had extreme neurological issues. She recovered using mhbot therapy and a gut healing diet. I also have chronic neurological late stage lyme or some neurological autoimmune spectrum disease. What started as stff neck and headaches/fbromyalgia lated developed into otic neuritis/nerve damage and progressive MS type neurolgical symptoms. Certain treatments and even surgery have provoked autoimmune type neurological attacks. I purchased a home chamber and did daily treatments for over a year-during that time my joints flared up in addition to the neuro, my thyroid went to hypothyroid and I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. It also seemed to disrupt my sleep. It was not my miracle. It has worked for others. For those who heal from chronic illlness/disease everyone seems to have a different story and what works for some doesn’t seem to work for others.
Elana says
Selma, thanks so much for sharing your experience. From what I’ve read it’s nearly impossible to heal from Lyme disease if living in a home environment that contains radio-frequency radiation. Might be something interesting to look into:
https://elanaspantry.com/simple-steps-to-reduce-emfs/
I hope you’ll keep me posted!
Elana
Jane says
At first My joints got worse as well. I believe it was a herx reaction. The great thing about the chamber was the brain healing. It was wonderful! In the beginning I only got in the chamber every other day and didnt see a big difference. Then Everyday……… What a difference.
Elana says
Thanks Jane!
Heather says
i’d like to know if it would work for a brain cancer patient.
Brenda Wyrick says
I have a friend that had extreme damage from radiation after cancer of uterus. She ended up on a feeding tube for months
and could not tolerate any food by mouth. After weeks of HBOT her intestines healed and she is once again able
to eat normally and no feeding tube. Her insurance finally covered the treatment after nothing else helped.
Grace Carvalho says
I have been doing Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for 3 years now and HBOT has helped my MS (diagnosed in 1997). My initial treatment was 45 days of a 1 hour session each day. It has helped with so many of the symptoms, mainly fatigue and brain fog. I still go for HBOT treatments (considered maintenance) but every 2 months (3-1 hour sessions) Changed my life. I am a believer in HBOT. Thank you for this blog. I really appreciate and love the recipes.
Selma says
Was this in a soft chamber 4 Psi? or hard chamber? Do you know what pressure?
Jennifer Nuno says
My holistic vet in Massachusetts treats my dog’s lyme disease with ozone. Not the same delivery as the hyperbaric chamber, but it’s the same concept. It worked wonders for my dog and he was never put on antibiotics. He’s 9 and doing amazing. Lyme’s is a bacterial infection and bacteria can’t live where there is oxygen. My dog would limp and had extreme pain in his feet. A couple of ozone treatments and he was fine. Whenever he had a flair up he’d go back in for treatment.
Irwin Tyler says
Your observation that bacteria can’t live in the presence of oxygen is important. The same tendency seems to be for many viruses and cancers. Oxygen therapy should be mainstream for serous infections like MRSA, and stubborn cancers – but it is not. HBOT, intravenous Vitamin C, intravenous hydrogen peroxide,and UV blood irradiation all have their positive effects by increasing the oxygen content in the blood. Why doesn’t mainstream recognize these therapies – at the very least in cases where their conventional therapies are not effective?