Cerebral Palsy is a brain injury often associated with premature birth, poor circulation and low oxygen tension. This condition can manifest itself by a delay in physical development with high muscle tone (spasticity/hypertonia), low muscle tone (hypotonia), or both. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO₂) can help these complications by increasing the amount of oxygen dissolved in the plasma.

Case 1: Kathy, born October 1996, started HBO₂ in January 2000 and has received 80 sessions to date.

Kathy received 40 HBO₂ sessions in January 2000. Before beginning HBO₂ Kathy was monosyllabic. Her parents had trouble getting her stiff arms into her coat sleeves. After 25 treatments, she was able to turn the pages of a magazine by herself. After returning home she soon learned to ride a tricycle and is now able to speak a string of 5 words at a time. She is learning to speak 2 languages, English and German, and returned for another 40 sessions in February 2001.

Case 2: Rachel, born in November 1995, started HBO₂ in March 2000 and has received 50 sessions to date.

Rachel was frustrated when she would stumble and fall over because she lacked balance. After 25 treatments, she was better at walking.  After 40 treatments her attention, visual focus, and concentration improved. Some intestinal problems also resolved and her parents were able to decrease her medication. She received 10 more HBO₂ sessions in October 2000.

Case 3: Bryce, born in November 1993, started HBO₂ in September 2000 and has received 88 sessions to date.

Bryce is a six year old with a twin sister.  Prior to coming to the Richmond Hyperbaric Center, he was mostly non-verbal, very spastic and could barely use his walker. In school he used an electric wheelchair. Bryce completed 40 sessions of HBO₂ in October 2000 and is trying very hard to speak. His vocabulary is greatly improved, and he has developed a real sense of humor. He laughs, is starting to play tricks and is much better with his walker. Bryce received another 50 treatments in 2001 and has learned to ride a bicycle. He is now is taking horseback lessons.

Case 4: Jeremy born November 1997 started sessions in September 2000 and has received 50 to date.

Jeremy, was born prematurely at 21 weeks. Before beginning HBO₂ he was primarily tube-fed because of problems swallowing. His muscle tone was very low. He would fall over backward if he tried to stand on his own. After finishing his sessions Jeremy was able to reduce his tube feeding by three quarters and started walking. After his first session, Jeremy amazed his mother by taking rice from her bowl and stuffing it into his mouth, she cut up 2 shrimp dumplings and he finished them. His strength continues to improve and his heart rate, which required constant monitoring, has fallen to near normal levels. He is also happier and laughing more.  As of July 2001 Jeremy has gained 7 pounds and grown 4 inches. Jeremy has survived two operations in the interim, thanks in part to his treatments, according to one of his doctors. Jeremy's doctor has summarized his progress.

Case 5: Jerret born in April 1992, started HBO₂ in April 2000 and has completed 40 sessions to date.

Jerret was 8 at the time of his first sessions. On returning home, his therapists noticed more trunk control, less spasticity and improved vocalization. His pediatrician noticed a marked improvement in his head and hands mobility, coordination, and dexterity. His drooling is also reduced. His bowel movements are more controlled. Before the treatments, he needed to be changed two to three times per day. He has had no seizures for two months whereas he previously he had them once every two weeks. The most noticeable improvement has been in his word use and articulation. His vocabulary has increased by over 25 words and he is now completing multiple word sentences more easily and more spontaneously. Physiologist's report on Jerret.

Case 6: Vaughn, born in November 1996, started HBO₂ in August 2000 and has had 80 sessions to date.