Dr. Pierre Marois
(Author of Lancet Study)
M.D.,F.RC.P. (C) MICHAEL VANASSE, M.D. F.R.C.P. (e)
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Ste-Justine, Montreal , Canada
Abstract:
Introduction: Many studies and numerous reports have demonstrated the positive effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) on children with cerebral palsy.
These improvements with HBOT measured with standardized and internationally recognized tools have been in most instances more impressive than those obtained with the vast majority of other approved treatments for cerebral palsy.
During the last three and a half years, we have followed and evaluated more than two hundred children that were treated with HBOT at the Clinique Hyperbare Magali for various chronic neurological conditions. They have received series of 30 to 40 treatments with 100% oxygen at 1.5A T A. Standardized evaluation tools were used to measure the clinical improvements and many children had Spect Scan before and after their treatments.
The majority (>65%) of children having the diagnosis of cerebral palsy improved significantly in regard the gross motor function as measured with the G.M.F.M. scale. More than 80% of the parents reported improvements in other areas such as cognition, communication, fine motor abilities and play. Most of the changes were maintained and seemed to be permanent.
Children presenting other types of neurological conditions have been treated, followed and evaluated. They had diagnosis of autism, Down’s syndrome, developmental delays, traumatic brain injuries, etc. Again, we were able to measure persistent positive changes in the majority of these children.
Some adults with cerebral palsy were also treated and had surprising measurable changes in their motor function.
These data confirm our previous findings. HBOT could be a valuable treatment for cerebral palsy and multiple other chronic neurological conditions, even many years after the neurological damage have been sustained. Further studies are needed to better understand the underlying physiological mechanism behind these positive results and to eventually help us define the best protocol and dosage.
Pierre Marois, M.D., is a noted pediatric specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University Hospital in Montreal . He has also been associated with cerebral palsy research projects at McGill University . In his career, he has had the opportunity to observe and to treat several thousand children with cerebral palsy and brain insults. He has expertise in this field and is a highly respected physician.
Dr. Pierre Marois M.D., F.R.C.P.(c)
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Ste-Justine, Montreal , Canada
Centre de Readaptation Marie Enfant de I’Hospital Sainte-Justine , Canada
Cited by: UDAAN.org