Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for HIE

The body’s tissues rely on oxygen in the bloodstream to function. When a specific area of tissue is injured, it needs even more oxygen to properly heal. 

During a hyperbaric oxygen therapy session, the patient breathes in 100% oxygen in an enclosed space with higher than normal air pressure. This can raise the normal concentration of oxygen in their bloodstream by up to 2000 mmHg. This oxygen-rich blood flows throughout the body to promote tissue function, increase healing, and fight tissue infection.

Patients can receive the treatment individually or in a group setting. Typically, sessions can last from one hour and thirty minutes to two hours. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be a long-term process. Some patients may need one session, while others might need multiple sessions scheduled over multiple days or weeks.

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, or HIE, is a brain injury that occurs when babies don’t get enough oxygen at birth. There are multiple ways for a baby to suffer from HIE. It is one of the main causes of disabilities in full-term babies. If HIE affects parts of the brain that control movement, it can result in physical disabilities like cerebral palsy. 

One of the main treatments for HIE is cooling therapy, which helps prevent the child from developing severe disability and even death. However, there is a body of clinical research that identifies hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a potential treatment for babies with oxygen deprivation from HIE. Studies have shown that hyperbaric oxygen therapy may improve their prognosis and survival chances.

According to studies, HBOT benefits babies with HIE by:

• Reducing brain tissue damage and inflammation
• Increasing blood flow to the brain
• Increasing the brain’s oxygen levels
• Promoting blood vessel repair
• Enhancing the development of new blood vessels
• Regenerating white matter, which is brain tissue that allows different areas of the brain to communicate with each other

The benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for HIE would depend on the severity of the HIE injury, the timing of the treatment, and other factors. 

Researchers and clinicians have more to learn about HBOT as a treatment for babies with HIE. The gold standard of treatment for HIE is cooling therapy. However, HIE has multiple causes and associated conditions. 

Each child’s case will be different. As a parent, it’s important to discuss all treatment options with your child’s doctor and find what’s best for them. Every child deserves a comprehensive care plan.

Oxygen deprivation from HIE can damage the part of a child’s brain that controls movement. This injury can result in cerebral palsy, which is a group of motor disorders. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may stimulate the damaged brain tissue. Theoretically, HBOT would create an ideal, well-oxygenated environment as the brain grows.

No true scientific data supports HBOT as an effective therapy for children with cerebral palsy. Its use as a cerebral palsy treatment is controversial. However, there are some successful cases. Some clinics in the United States offer hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a cerebral palsy treatment. The Baromedical Associates LLC lists the following benefits for its clients:

• Improved fine motor skills
• Reduced spasticity
• Enhanced cognitive skills

There are several reported risks of this procedure, and its effectiveness has been called into question. Some cited downsides of HBOT include:

• Ear problems
• Seizures
• Respiratory distress
• Lung problems (caused by pressure changes)

The reports on the benefits and risks of HBOT as an effective treatment for cerebral palsy are mixed. While some patients seem to receive worthwhile benefits, there are others who have experienced negative outcomes.

This article is solely intended to provide information about the HBOT procedure and should not be interpreted as medical advice. For information about HBOT please speak with your doctor or a licensed care provider.

Unfortunately, HIE is often the result of medical malpractice. Doctors and medical staff have to properly monitor their patients in labor to make sure that everything is progressing smoothly.

The medical team has to intervene quickly if a complication or issue arises, especially if there are signs that the baby is not getting enough oxygen. If the medical team doesn’t act in time, HIE and resulting disabilities like cerebral palsy can occur.

It’s terrible to know that your child suffered from a birth injury, especially when it could have been prevented. In many cases, preventable birth injuries can be considered medical malpractice. 

Juggling your child’s care, your family’s welfare, and a job can leave little time for much else. A lawsuit can seem unrealistic and even intimidating when you already have a lot on your plate. However, a skilled and compassionate lawyer would help lessen your burdens by recovering financial compensation for your child and peace of mind for you. A verdict or settlement from a birth injury case can cover the costs of any special medical care or treatment your child needs – for the rest of their life. 

If you suspect that your loved one has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy due to medical malpractice, we urge you to reach out to our birth injury attorneys for a free legal consultation. The best – and only – way to find out if you have a birth injury case is to talk to a lawyer. 

ABC Law Centers: Birth Injury Lawyers is a boutique law firm that was created to only take cases involving birth injury. Our attorneys have the specific skills, experience, and knowledge necessary to win these complex, multi-million dollar cases. 

More importantly, we take pride in working with brave parents like yourself and advocating for your family. While our team is based in Michigan, we handle cases all over the United States. We know you’re busy, which is why we’re available by phone, text, or email 24/7.