Hyperbaric Chamber Autism Dangers

Hyperbaric oxygen chambers deliver high concentrations of oxygen quickly and deeply. The hyperbaric oxygen chamber is typically used for healing wounds more quickly and to deliver oxygen to areas of hypoperfusion. During the procedure, the patient enters a small closed chamber. The physician then raises the level of atmospheric pressure and increases the oxygen level to 100 percent. Studies of the autistic brain by Rossignol show levels of decreased cerebral perfusion, markers of oxidative stress and evidence of neuroinflammation as well as hypoperfusion to several areas of the brain. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy reduces oxidative stress and has anti-inflammatory effects, which may increase the blood flow and decrease the inflammation in the autistic brain. While there have been several clinical trials with inconclusive results, a recent double-blind controlled trial performed at International Child Development Resource Center found that there were improvements when autistic children received 40 hours of therapy in the hyperbaric oxygen chamber. Because the body is not accustomed to the pressure or the oxygen level the hyperbaric oxygen chamber delivers, there are several risks due to the increase in pressure and oxygen level.

Fire Hazard

• High concentrations of oxygen, such as those in hyperbaric oxygen chambers, are extremely flammable. The highest risk of this treatment is fire or explosion. Flammable items include makeup, petroleum, alcohol, hairspray, aftershave, cell phones, metals, wigs, heating pads, lighters, hearing aids, food, gum and nail polish. These items result in fire inside the oxygen chamber.

Temporary Effects

• Treatment with hyperbaric oxygen chambers may have several adverse effects. The most common of these are headache, fatigue and vomiting. These issues are temporary, resolving after a short time. The enclosed nature of the chamber and the small size create a high risk of claustrophobia. Another risk of treatment is reversible myopia (nearsightedness). Treatment may also raise blood sugar levels.

Decompression Illness

• Decompression sickness is an illness associated with the decompression of the hyperbaric oxygen chamber. Other illnesses caused by decompression of the chamber include pneumothorax, a partially or fully collapsed lung characterized by chest pain or shortness of breath and caused by pressure from gas collected in the space around the lungs (MayoClinic.com), and gas emboli, or bubbles of gas in the blood stream that cause obstructions (Healthline.com).

Oxygen Toxicity

• Oxygen toxicity from hyperbaric oxygen chamber treatment causes a variety of problems. The high levels of oxygen delivered for too long may cause convulsions and psychological damage. Lung problems associated with oxygen toxicity include pulmonary edema, hemorrhage, pulmonary toxicity and irreversible respiratory failure. There is also a risk of damage to teeth.

Barotrauma

• Barotrauma associated with hyperbaric oxygen chamber treatment includes ear damage, sinus damage, lung damage and ruptured middle ear. These problems occur because of the high pressure inside the chamber.

Considerations

• There are several ways to reduce the risks associated with hyperbaric oxygen treatment. Treatment sessions should last two hours or less. Taking "air breaks" for a short period of time during treatment may reduce the risk of oxygen toxicity. Ensuring there are no flammable items reduces the risk of fire hazards. Proper setup and administration by a trained professional is necessary to minimize medical risks.