It is claimed that neuromuscular and other functions are improved by increasing the takeup of oxygen in the body. These particular approaches are outside the range of ways in which oxygen is normally administered in hospitals to children and babies, although oxygen is of course regularly used in general. NHS hospitals with hyperbaric oxygen facilities can treat a variety of conditions including the ‘bends’ for divers, tissue damage, and carbon monoxide poisoning; but they do not include cerebral palsy. Some research suggests that nitric oxide, administered in hospitals, can protect premature babies from cerebral palsy.
The only one of the oxygen therapies used for cerebral palsy in the UK is hyperbaric oxygen therapy / high dosage oxygen therapy, which is administered in private centres, including the Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centres, www.msrc.co.uk. The oxygen is delivered under pressure via a mask or hood, on the premise that neural cells and connections are brought into action to improve function. There are potential side-effects such as ‘barotrauma’ to the middle ear due to the pressure changes. Controlled studies have not found neuropsychological or other benefits in cerebral palsy, but a pilot study found some improvements in motor function. An NHS study into HBOT for adults is currently taking place in Scotland, to include cerebral palsy.
Tanaka Y et al. Inhaled nitric oxide therapy decreases the risk of cerebral palsy in preterm infants with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. Pediatrics 2007 Jun, 119(6):1159-64.
Collet J P et al, Hyperbaric oxygen for children with cerebral palsy: a randomised multi-centre trial, Lancet 2001, 357(9256):582-586.
Essex C. Hyperbaric oxygen and cerebral palsy: no proven benefit and potentially harmful. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology 2003, 45:213-15.
Hardy P et al. Neuropsychological effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in cerebral palsy. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology 2002 Jul, 44(7):436-46.
Montgomery D et al. Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy: a pilot project. Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine 1999 Winter, 26(4):235-42.
Muller-Bolla M et al. Side effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in children with cerebral palsy. Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine 2006 Jul-Aug, 33(4):237-44.
