The therapeutic value of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on children with cerebral palsy

Notice Santécom: 126481

Cerebral palsy is the most common cause of physical disability and developmental delay in children.

Health Canada now recognizes the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) in the treatment of 14 types of disorders, but cerebral palsy is not one of them.

In Québec, many parents have turned to HBO treatment for their children. A few private clinics offer this type of treatment, and private enterprises rent or sell portable soft-shell chambers.

INESSS evaluated the therapeutic value of HBO on children with cerebral palsy for the purpose of supporting a decision with respect to possibly adding this form of therapy to the range of public services. In the light of the data available and given the lack of evidence of any therapeutic value, INESSS considers that adding HBO or hyperbaric air (HBA) to the range of public services to treat children with cerebral palsy is not a fair and reasonable option.