In Oxygen Treatment, pure oxygen is breathed through a mask under pressure in a specially constructed chamber. Unlike many drugs commonly prescribed for MS there are almost no side effects. Oxygen Treatment is also called HBO (Hyperbaric Oxygen) or HDOT (High Dosage Oxygen Treatment). These are all names for the same thing. We prefer the plain English name of Oxygen Treatment.
Research, especially in this country and the USA, has shown that breathing pure oxygen under increased air pressure has provided many people who have Multiple Sclerosis with relief from many of the symptoms which they have and some have even suggested that it has helped in slowing the progression of the disease. It must be stressed that the therapy does not in itself provide a cure but many people have benefited from reduced severity of symptoms, particularly with critical symptoms such as fatigue, poor balance and mobility, sensory perception difficulties, bladder control, incontinence and, in some cases speech problems. Improvements in any one of these can be life changing.
The treatment is provided in a metal chamber which is big enough for 6 people. Each person breathes pure oxygen through a mask whilst under pressure (the pressure is variable for each ‘dive’ depending upon the needs of the particular group). To begin with, clients attend for 15 sessions (as far as is possible on consecutive days). After this period people usually attend once a week; some come twice a week – it’s up to you, depending on what you find works best for you. Each session lasts about 80 minutes.
If you want to discuss Oxygen Treatment, the Administrator is always available to give you more information about what it entails, as well as giving you the opportunity to watch a session take place. If you want to proceed with this, we will ask your permission to notify your GP and schedule treatments to start once we have received confirmation that your GP has received our letter. It is possible, but very rare, than an MS symptom will deteriorate. We will ask you to monitor how it is affecting you. If necessary treatment can be discontinued at any time.
The session is conducted by 2 trained operators with whom you have constant contact via an intercom system for sound and vision. During the therapy most people read books or magazines. Some play board games. Scrabble is very popular! Others take it as a opportunity to just unwind and relax.
Please contact the Administrator for details or to make an appointment.
Please click here to find out about Volunteering to provide Oxygen Treatment in the Herts MS Therapy Centre.
