Community Forum Archive

The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.

Treat seizures with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Sun, 08/26/2007 - 22:31
I haven't seen anything here about treating seizure disorders with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). I'm really quite surprised. I've seen amazing successes for my daughter as well as others with seizure disorders since beginning HBOT treatments several years ago. Has anyone had any experience with HBOT?

Comments

Re: Treat seizures with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Submitted by Hismom on Tue, 2008-02-12 - 13:55
I'm also curious. I've heard of HBOT for Autisum, and wondered if it woudl be helpful for seizures. I'd love to hear more about your Daughter's success.  I don't even how to find someone who administers the therapy.

I'm not sure, nut Mayo

Submitted by Aztina on Mon, 2019-11-18 - 14:04
I'm not sure, nut Mayo Clinics in various states may offer it. 

Re: Treat seizures with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Submitted by jlunsford on Tue, 2008-03-11 - 23:28

 I am not a doctor and I cannot gurantee anything nor am I really qualified to advise you but I do suffer from seizures myself. I do study the subject and have done some limited research on google. It appears it may in some instances help or possibly correct the problem depending upon what is causing the seizures. Since 70% are idopathic (which means the reason for the seizure is unknown or the brain is minimally damaged.) This can mean that its possible that hyperbaric may help or possibly eliminate the seizures based upon the problem (you do need a doctor who can determine this or advise you). I am currently going through a regimen of 40 sessions of hyperbaric at 1.5 atm (atmispheres) for 60 minutes and can report that I feel better than I have in years. I think more clearly and am reducing my meds (under a doctors guidance) I have the idiopathic type and we did a spect scan before and plan to do one when we finish to determine the amount of improvment. I have an area that is hypo or overly active and it is hoped this therapy will improve or correct the problem. In a study done in 2005 at the university of Pittsubugh it was determined that hyperbaric therapy causes the body to make 8 times as many stem cells as normal (this may explain why several brain related trauma's respond to it) and since its well know that the oxidative stress of hyperbaric causes tissue growth in the brain and better vascularity it only makes sense that it may help some epileptic people. I will include some links to view. The first is from the Pittsburg study showing stem cell increases  http://www.hypermed.com.au/Updates/Hyperbaric%20Oxygen%20Therapy%20Increases%20Stem%20Cells%20by%20Eight-Fold.htm

 This study shows the before and after appearance of brain function with hyperbaric.

http://www.hbotreatment.com/Brain%20Study-%20clinicalstudyimpaired%20brain%20function.pdf

The best on point study I found on direct epilepsy research was in China. This link showing remarkable results, however you will note that this is a one off China study so I can make no guarantees to the accuracy

http://www.hbotoday.com/treatment/clinical/researchstudies/analysis.shtml

 I personally have found a group of caring professionals who are working to help people with brain trauma and epilepsy. They are at Prohbo.com the owners name is Chris Grant 678-766-0153. He works with a local neurologist. They are in Atlanta. My last plug for hyperbaric is this. While I have been going for treatments (now on my 30th of 40) I met a young 4 year old girl with cerebral palsy. She had never walked before the hyperbaric and has begun to do so. I feel this treatment has uses far beyond what its most commonly utilized for and will some day be a first line of treatment for epilepsy and other brain trauma. I hope you will at least look into it. By the way there is another doctor in Naples Florida named David Perlmutter. I saw him and he is very competent and uses hyperbaric to treat brain recovery patients as well. He is also a neurologist.  Sorry to say since there is no long term proof of efficacy it will not be covered by insurance. 

 

 I am not a doctor and I cannot gurantee anything nor am I really qualified to advise you but I do suffer from seizures myself. I do study the subject and have done some limited research on google. It appears it may in some instances help or possibly correct the problem depending upon what is causing the seizures. Since 70% are idopathic (which means the reason for the seizure is unknown or the brain is minimally damaged.) This can mean that its possible that hyperbaric may help or possibly eliminate the seizures based upon the problem (you do need a doctor who can determine this or advise you). I am currently going through a regimen of 40 sessions of hyperbaric at 1.5 atm (atmispheres) for 60 minutes and can report that I feel better than I have in years. I think more clearly and am reducing my meds (under a doctors guidance) I have the idiopathic type and we did a spect scan before and plan to do one when we finish to determine the amount of improvment. I have an area that is hypo or overly active and it is hoped this therapy will improve or correct the problem. In a study done in 2005 at the university of Pittsubugh it was determined that hyperbaric therapy causes the body to make 8 times as many stem cells as normal (this may explain why several brain related trauma's respond to it) and since its well know that the oxidative stress of hyperbaric causes tissue growth in the brain and better vascularity it only makes sense that it may help some epileptic people. I will include some links to view. The first is from the Pittsburg study showing stem cell increases  http://www.hypermed.com.au/Updates/Hyperbaric%20Oxygen%20Therapy%20Increases%20Stem%20Cells%20by%20Eight-Fold.htm

 This study shows the before and after appearance of brain function with hyperbaric.

http://www.hbotreatment.com/Brain%20Study-%20clinicalstudyimpaired%20brain%20function.pdf

The best on point study I found on direct epilepsy research was in China. This link showing remarkable results, however you will note that this is a one off China study so I can make no guarantees to the accuracy

http://www.hbotoday.com/treatment/clinical/researchstudies/analysis.shtml

 I personally have found a group of caring professionals who are working to help people with brain trauma and epilepsy. They are at Prohbo.com the owners name is Chris Grant 678-766-0153. He works with a local neurologist. They are in Atlanta. My last plug for hyperbaric is this. While I have been going for treatments (now on my 30th of 40) I met a young 4 year old girl with cerebral palsy. She had never walked before the hyperbaric and has begun to do so. I feel this treatment has uses far beyond what its most commonly utilized for and will some day be a first line of treatment for epilepsy and other brain trauma. I hope you will at least look into it. By the way there is another doctor in Naples Florida named David Perlmutter. I saw him and he is very competent and uses hyperbaric to treat brain recovery patients as well. He is also a neurologist.  Sorry to say since there is no long term proof of efficacy it will not be covered by insurance. 

 

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.