Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been approved to treat over a dozen diverse conditions. Although some claim that it can be used to help patients with autism, this option has not been approved by the FDA—in fact, they've begun to crack down on organizations that make particularly exaggerated claims about its effects on the condition.
That being said, there is some evidence that indicates that HBOT may help improve some aspects of autism, although not cure it, as many claim. Here is a look at why this treatment option can be dangerous, even if it does provide some level of treatment.
HBOT Physical Risks
While generally safe, there are some risks and complications associated with HBOT, regardless of the condition its treating. These include temporary vision loss, seizures, fatigue, psychological changes, as well as ear and sinus pain.
Finally, although rare, the chambers are pumped so full of pure oxygen that they are a serious fire hazard.
Ultimately, the benefits of treatment may outweigh these risks for many patients, but since there is not much evidence pointing towards the effectiveness of HBOT on autism, these patients should be particularly wary of utilizing it.
HBOT Monetary Risks
Because the FDA does not approve HBOT for autism, in children or adults, alternative methods to simply walking into a treatment center must be sought. In most cases, this means receiving HBOT from health spas and medical centers from which you will likely not receive reimbursement from insurance, making it a pricey option.
The fear with this is that these places are taking advantage of desperate families by offering high-priced treatment options with no scientific validity. Additionally, some of these places advertise their HBOT treatment as a “cure” for autism. The FDA has recently made a push to make sure these places cannot and do not advertise their HBOT as a non-existent cure.
For some families, the expense of long-term HBOT treatment may be mitigated by purchasing an in-home HBOT device. Companies have begun marketing in-home HBOT chambers for about $7000. However, attempting to undergo specialized medical treatment without specialized medical staff on hand can lead to disaster.
