The Use of Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy: to Change Cerebral Metabolism Rates in Patients with Chronic Brain Damage

Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy (HBOT) has a successive history for treating very specific groups of physical conditions. Research by Neubauer and colleagues states that HBOT's ability to increase cerebral metabolism in the brain regenerates dormant neural tissue (Neubauer, Gottlieb, & Pevsner 1994). According to this research, the increase of cerebral metabolism levels restores mental capacity from the neurological insult. Despite promise, uncertainty exists as to whether this is a viable treatment option for people suffering from neural damage. The research results for this experiment will examine the effect of HBOT on cerebral metabolism levels in adults and pediatrics with chronic neurological problems. Fifty individuals diagnosed as having a neurological impairment whom met criteria for the study were analyzed from an archival data set. Criterion required chronic impairment, baseline SPECT, followed by HBOT exposures, and a post SPECT scan.

Dr. Michael Collins is the Director of Psychology at South University & Psychologist for The Watershed Treatment Center. He completed a PhD in Clinical Psychology, Neuropsychology internship, fellowships in Biostatistics and Drug Rehabilitation. Currently Dr. Collins is developing a PsyD program and research on neuroscience and addiction.