Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment
Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) is a therapeutic procedure in which 100% oxygen is administered in a slightly pressurized environment. These two elements, oxygen and pressure, create a healing response, for specific illnesses, that is unprecedented. Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment is broad in application - there are a number of illnesses that respond well to this therapy. It is non-invasive and safe for the majority of the population.
The acrylic chamber, widely used today in hospitals and clinics for HBO treatments, was first developed in 1955 by Churchill-Davidson, MD. Popularity for this modality began in the US in 1971. Thanks to the efforts of George Hart, MD. It has gained dramatically in popularity since the 70's. However, the techmology for pressurized chambers has a long history going back to the late 1900's. Today the medical community has recognized 15 “indicated uses” for HBO. These uses have proven and well documented results. Besides these uses there are many other applications that are recognized as extremely beneficial. These other applications are becoming more and more recognized as clinical outcome studies are written on the benefits of expanded treatments.
Indicated Uses of Hyperbaric Treatments Category A - Proven Indications
These 15 indications have scientific research to document the efficacy of hyperbaric intervention. Accordingly, Medicare and most provate insurance companies will reimburse. Several of these indications occur in the critically ill patients who should be treated in the hospital/critical care environment.
- Problem wounds/Diabetic wounds of the lower extremities.
- Progressive necrotizing infections (necrotizing fasciitis)
- Acute traumatic peripheral ischemeia (lack of oxygen and dying tissue)
- Crush injuries and suturing of severed limbs
- Chronic refractory osteomyelitis (bone infection)
- Osteoradionecrosis
- Acute peripheral arterial insufficiency (areas of weak oxygenation)
- Actinomycosis
- Soft tissue radionnecrosis
- Preparation and preservation of compromised skin grafts
- Cyanide poisoning
- Gas gangrene
- Gas embolism
- Decompression illness (diving bends)
- Acute carbon monoxide intoxication
Category B – Unproven Indications with physiologic rational
Throughout the world, many additional indications are treated with excellent outcomes. To become a proven indiction, studies done in a randomized, double blinded and controlled fashion must show a positive effect. Studies required to reach this level of proof cost millions of dollars and require years to complete. Several of these indications are currently being studied but results are not yet available. Case reports and testimonials are inadequate to prove efficacy. However, an understanding of the physiologic effects of hyperbaric oxygen help us to explain why these condiditons may be improved by HBOT.
- Stroke
- Lyme
- Autism
- Anoxic Brain Injury
- Cerebral Palsy
- Traumatic Brain and/or Spinal Cord Injury
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Non-healing wounds
- Burns
- Rapid recovery following cosmetic surgery (reduced scarring)
- Infections – anerobic
- Brown recluse spider bites
- Sports Injury
- Bone healing
- Altitude Sickness
- Fungal Infections
- Viral Infections
Category C – Unproven Indications with unclear physiologic implications
Patients with difficult conditions, unresponsive to conventional treatments might seek out alternative therapies which may include hyperbaric oxygen therapy. These are referred to as “Off Label” indications and are usually treated in a facility not associated with a hospital and not reimbursed by insurance. There is no known scientific understanding of a mechanism through which hyperbaric oxygen should help these conditions and this list should not be construed to imply any benefit from hyperbarics.
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinsons
- Lupus
- Fibromyalgia
- Rheumatoid or Osteo-Arthritis
- Migraine Headaches
- Depression
- Anti-aging
- Poisoning (Mercury, Pesticides)
- Silicone Induced Disorders