According to the CDC, cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability found in children. Per their data, approximately 1 in 345 children are affected by this disorder. Cerebral palsy affects movement and other motor skills, and may result in an individuals need for care throughout their entire lifetime.
"In 2010, a study was conducted that found 58.9% of children with CP could walk independently, 7.8% walked using a hand-held mobility device, and 33.3% had limited or no walking ability" (Data and Statistics for Cerebral Palsy | CDC, 2020).
For a child, the inability to move freely can be devastating.
There is good news, however! As explained by the International Hyperbarics Association, "Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been shown to help ameliorate the effects of CP. Many forms of CP result from a lack of oxygen to the brain at birth. The affected brain tissue, or penumbra, can be recovered or improved by introducing increased levels of oxygen" (International Hyperbarics Association, 2019).
The International Hyperbarics Association lists these as demonstrated benefits of HBOT for CP:
Enhance Neurological Repair and Regeneration With HBOT:
Attenuates the effects of hypoxia on the neonatal brain
Promotes neurogenesis
Moderates mitochondrial disorders
Enhances stem cell mobilization and proliferation
Increases penumbra tissue recovery
Escalates neuroplasticity
Improve Overall Function With HBOT:
Advances cognitive function
Improves gross/fine motor skills
Enhances speech and language
Alleviates spasticity
Lessens frequency of seizures
Stimulates better eye contact
Improves balance and walking
Interested in checking out the research for yourself? Check out this data on HBOT and cerebral palsy.
To learn more about hyperbaric therapy for CP or to get scheduled for a dive, give us a call at 515-421-4002!
References:
Data and Statistics for Cerebral Palsy | CDC. (2020, December 30). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/cp/data.html
International Hyperbarics Association. (2019). Cerebral Palsy & Hyperbarics [Brochure].
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