FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

• What is HBOT?
• What conditions are treated by HBOT?
• How does HBOT enhance wound healing?
• What is the protocol for hyperbaric treatment?
• What does a patient experience during treatment?
• Why didn't my doctor tell me about HBOT?
• Are there different types of chambers?
• How should I prepare for my treatment?
• Is HBOT safe?
• What are the possible side effects of HBOT?
• How does HBOT help stroke or brain injury?
• How does hyperbaric oxygen help a child with cerebral palsy (CP) or traumatic brain injury (TBI)?
• How are patients referred for treatment?

What is HBOT?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment which enhances the body's natural healing process by inhalation of 100% oxygen in a total body chamber, where atmospheric pressure is increased and controlled. It is used for a wide variety of treatments usually as a part of an overall medical care plan.

Under normal circumstances, oxygen is transported throughout the body only by red blood cells. With HBOT, oxygen is dissolved into all of the body's fluids, the plasma, the central nervous system fluids, the lymph, and the bone and can be carried to areas where circulation is diminished or blocked. In this way, extra oxygen can reach all of the damaged tissues and the body can support its own healing process. The increased oxygen greatly enhances the ability of white blood cells to kill bacteria, reduces swelling and allows new blood vessels to grow more rapidly into the affected areas. It is a simple, non-invasive and painless treatment.

What conditions are treated by HBOT?

Hyperbaric oxygen is used to treat all conditions which benefit from increased tissue oxygen availability, as well as infections where it can be used for its antibiotic properties, either as the primary therapy, or in conjunction with other drugs.
Insurance and Medicare consider the following conditions for HBOT to be covered for payment:

To view a list of conditions, click here

How does HBOT enhance wound healing?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy delivers oxygen quickly and in high concentrations to injured areas systemically. The increased pressure changes the normal cellular respiration process and causes oxygen to dissolve in the plasma. This results in a substantial increase in tissue oxygenation. HBOT is beneficial because it stimulates the growth of new blood vessels and increases oxygenation that can arrest certain types of infections and enhance wound healing.

What is the protocol for hyperbaric treatment?

The treatment protocol is established by the medical director of the hyperbaric program in consultation with the patient's referring physician. The patient remains under the care of their primary physician throughout the course of treatment. Acute conditions may require a treatment period of ten days or less, while chronic conditions may require therapy over a few months. Although treatment schedules will vary, most treatments will be administered during two hour sessions, once or twice a day, several times a week. HBOT therapy is generally administered on an outpatient basis.

What does a patient experience during treatment?

The first stage of treatment is compression, in which the pressure inside the system is gradually increased. The temperature will rise and later be adjusted to a comfortable level. The patient will feel a fullness in the ears. Instruction is provided to help clear the pressure and relieve temporary discomfort. Inside the chamber, the patient can sleep, watch TV, or a video tape, listen to music, read or just relax.

Why didn't my doctor tell me about HBOT?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is not typically covered by insurance for "off-label" uses, therefore most doctors are unable to recommend the therapy because of contractual obligations with insurance companies. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be used to treat numerous conditions as an "off-label" use, many of which are documented with scientific evidence that is stronger than that of the FDA approved conditions. Nearly all medical clinics, doctor's offices, and hospitals use FDA-approved drugs and medical devices for "off-label" use on a consistent basis.

Are there different types of chambers?

There are basically two types of chambers: monoplace and multiplace. Monoplace chambers are designed to treat a single person pressurized with 100% oxygen. Multiplace chambers are designed to hold several people at one time and oxygen is delivered through a mask or a hood. At Orlando Hyperbarics we use only monoplace chambers.

How should I prepare for my treatment?

Only clean cotton clothing is allowed in the chamber. No cosmetics, perfumes, hair products, deodorants, wigs or jewelry are allowed in the chamber. The technician needs to know if any medications, including non prescription drugs, are being taken by the patient, and patients are advised not to take alcohol or carbonated drinks for four hours prior to treatment. In most cases, patients should give up smoking and any other tobacco products during their treatment period, as they interfere with the body's ability to transport oxygen.

Is HBOT safe?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is prescribed by a physician and performed under medical supervision. Although there are minor risks like all medical treatments, overall hyperbaric oxygen therapy is extremely safe. The risks will be discussed with you before you sign your consent form for therapy.

What are the possible side effects of HBOT?

The most common side effect is barotrauma to the ears and sinuses caused by the change in pressure. To minimize this risk, patients learn techniques to promote adequate clearing of the ears during compression or tubes may be inserted in the ears. Occasionally some patients may experience changes in their vision during their treatment period. These changes are usually minor and temporary. A rare side effect is oxygen toxicity which is caused by administering too much oxygen.

How does HBOT help stroke or brain injury?

When cells in the brain die, either from trauma or lack of oxygen, blood plasma leaks out into surrounding brain tissue causing swelling and reducing blood flow. These otherwise normal cells go dormant because they can't function without the appropriate amount of oxygen. HBOT dramatically increases the oxygen carried in the blood plasma, making oxygen available to heal damaged capillary walls, preventing plasma leakage and reducing swelling. As the swelling decreases, blood flow can be restored to the dormant tissue (neovascularization) and these cells then have the potential to function again.

How does hyperbaric oxygen help a child with cerebral palsy (CP) or traumatic brain injury (TBI)?

In CP and TBI patients, some of the injured brain tissues may be "dormant" and non-functioning. HBOT can stimulate these "dormant" tissues and return them to more normal function. In young children, cognitive function and spasticity can be improved. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, used in conjunction with other therapies, ensures the best recovery possible for children with cerebral palsy and traumatic brain injury.

How are patients referred for treatment?

Patients are accepted either by self referral or by physician referral. Patients are evaluated by our staff and treated based on their specific needs. To schedule an evaluation, please call us at 407-240-3996.