Philadelphia Birth Injury Lawyer Blog

Hyperbaric therapy has recently become an alternative treatment for neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy. While there is no definitive study on its benefits to improve neurological conditions, anecdotal evidence has patients across the United States treating in hyperbaric chambers.

Hyperbaric therapy or HBOT works why delivering 100% oxygen at a higher level than atmospheric pressure. It is routinely used to treat carbon monoxide poisoning and has been shown to promote the healing of wounds. It is now being used in some locations to treat chronic illnesses such as cerebral palsy. The belief is that the high level of oxygen concentration in the chamber stimulates injured or inactive parts of the brain and helps improve blood flow throughout the body.

HBOT is not claiming to heal or correct any of the symptoms associated with cerebral palsy but it has been shown to improve blood flow and lessen some numbness and tightness in cerebral palsy patients. Those who wish to undergo the treatment lay in a hyperbaric chamber for less than two hours and a typical regiment is forty sessions.

Currently the only things stopping patients from trying this low risk therapy is cost and location. Not many places offer these treatments and treatments typically cost $150 and are not usually covered by insurance. Hyperbaric treatments will not become a more readily available treatment alternative until a study is completed on its effectiveness in treating neurological conditions but anecdotal evidence is giving some hope to patients.

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Cerebral Palsy rates have been increasing in premature infants born in Pennsylvania and nationwide. A new study has discovered a link between premature births, an inflamed umbilical cord and cerebral palsy.

Doctors have studied over 200 placentas from preterm births and have found that cerebral palsy is associated with inflammation in the connective tissue of the umbilical cord. The inflammation usually leads to an infection and is most common in preterm births or a premature rupturing of the amniotic sac. Infants born premature due to preeclampsia are less likely to have the inflammation.

Doctors and researchers hope to use this information to reduce the risk of birth injuries by treating the inflamed tissue in the umbilical cord.

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A three year old cerebral palsy child who is participating in a cord blood treatment study at Duke University has rapidly shown improvement in motor functions and speech.

The child is participating in a study in which the child is infused with cord blood cells banked by their parents at birth. The injection took about 15 minutes and her parents are already calling the treatment a miracle. Before the treatment her right hand was always clenched and virtually no use to her and now her right hand has opened up and she is beginning to use both hands. Her speech has also greatly improved and she is now able to walk flatfooted with the support of a leg brace. Her parents believe she is about 85 percent cured of cerebral palsy.

While researchers will not be able to scientifically prove that the treatment will correct problems associated with cerebral palsy until the study is complete, anecdotal evidence is giving parents with cerebral palsy hope that someday their child will be able to lead a more normal life.

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A study combing a Russian space suit and aggressive physical therapy has helped children with cerebral palsy increase movement and motor function. The impressive results of this study should have it spreading to Pennsylvania and other states nationwide.

The TheraSuit was originally designed for Russian Cosmonauts but was bought to the United States by two Russian physical therapists to aid with their daughter's cerebral palsy. The suit works by keeping the body properly aligned and applying compression to muscle through a series of bungee cords. Pressure applied by the cords enables patients to better feel their body which provides stabilization and normalizes gait. The suit also helps to improve balance and coordination, while supporting weak muscles. While in the suit the children are engaged in specific and aggressive physical therapy that lasts up to four hours day, five days a week. A typical therapy session for a cerebral palsy patient may be an hour a day, three times a week.

The pilot program ended with exceptional results. Improvements were seen in strength, coordination, balance, movement control and range of motion. Over 90% of participants experienced functional improvements and learned to roll independently, 75% are now sitting without assistance, and almost 40% are standing on their own. Over 20% learned to walk independently and over 30% can walk with assisted devices. Studies are currently being conducted to see how the suit and therapy can be used to assist those suffering from traumatic brain injuries, developmental delays, strokes, low muscle tone and ataxia.

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