Is the Oxford Hyperbaric Medical Center currently accepting patients?

What does it feel like?
Generally, the patient will not feel unusual. However, during certain parts of the treatment, the patient may experience a sensation of fullness in the ears, similar to the feeling experienced on an airplane. This is a result of the eardrum responding to pressures changes. Prior to treatment, the patient will be taught a few easy methods to “clear” his or her ears to avoid discomfort. Children may bring in a water bottle of pacifier to encourage a suck and swallow that also relieves the ear pressure.

Is it safe?
Taken from a 10 year study of 1,505 patients who received 52,758 2-hour HBOT sessions at 2.4 ATA once or twice daily (the maximum treatment protocol used for problem wounds around the world).

• inability to equalize middle ear pressure 0.37%
• Para nasal sinus blocks 0.09%
• confinement anxiety 0.05%
• oxygen convulsions 0.009%
• pulmonary oxygen toxicity 0.00%
• permanent ocular refractive changes 0.00%

In other word, HBOT is virtually side-effect free.

When should it be used?

• When the parents are committed to finding treatment for their child and willing to make the time commitment.
• Parents must understand that the research is presenting some very positive results, but this is not a magic wand treatment. There are no guarantees.
• Parents have found a knowledgeable physician who is willing to work with the child’s medical needs and provide a prescription.
• Oxford Hyperbaric Medical Center has director to assist them in treating a child with autism and provide a prescription.