Autism is a
neurodevelopmental disorder that currently affects as many as 1 out
of 166 children in the United States. Recent research has discovered
that some autistic individuals have decreased cerebral perfusion,
evidence of neuroinflammation, and increased markers of oxidative
stress. Multiple independent single photon emission computed
tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) research
studies have revealed hypoperfusion to several areas of the autistic
brain, most notably the temporal regions and areas specifically
related to language comprehension and auditory processing.
Several studies
show that diminished blood flow to these areas correlates with many
of the clinical features associated with autism including
repetitive, self-stimulatory and stereotypical behaviors, and
impairments in communication, sensory perception, and social
interaction. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been used with
clinical success in several cerebral hypoperfusion syndromes
including cerebral palsy, fetal alcohol syndrome, closed head
injury, and stroke.
HBOT can
compensate for decreased blood flow by increasing the oxygen content
of plasma and body tissues and can even normalize oxygen levels in
ischemic tissue. In addition, animal studies have shown that HBOT
has potent anti-inflammatory effects and reduces oxidative stress.
Furthermore,
recent evidence demonstrates that HBOT mobilizes stem cells from
human bone marrow, which may aid recovery in neurodegenerative
diseases. Based upon these findings, it is hypothesized that HBOT
will improve symptoms in autistic individuals. A retrospective case
series is presented that supports this hypothesis.
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