Hyperbaric Chamber refers to an arrangement whereby a person needing such treatment is laid inside a chamber and air pressure is gradually increased than that of the normal atmospheric pressure. Bar refers to the pressure and a hyperbaric device is called hyper as it provides increased air pressure. Hyperbaric Chamber is hitting the news as a possible treatment for the diseases as complex as Autism. Though the double blind placebo controlled studies are lacking, hyperbaric chambers are regarded as the treatment for strokes, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injuries, and for the rapid healing of surgical wounds.

The rationale behind the hyperbaric chambers is that our body absorbs the oxygen from the atmosphere in accordance with the atmospheric pressure around. If the pressure of the air is increased, it would allow the body to absorb more oxygen. Brain scans show the difference in the activity of various regions of brain, before and after hyperbaric therapy. Brain activity is considerably increased after therapy.

The increased oxygen allows the parts of the hitherto inactive parts to operate at full capacity. This increased oxygen also allows the wounds to heal at higher speed. Hyperbaric Chamber also got publicity by the news that professional golfers are being helped by the therapy.

Hyperbaric chamber, as much promising as they seem, do not come cheap. A typical hyperbaric chamber would cost $12,000 to $16,000. If the patients with the diseases like Autism are to benefit, it is necessary to make hyperbaric chamber available at home as it would be necessary to undergo the treatment on regular basis.

(Article for informational purposes only)

Hyperbaric Chamber