When reviewing the landscape of neurological challenges, sensory processing challenges and learning disorders stand out – posing major hurdles that affect the lives of people worldwide. Conditions may span from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in children to injury recovery and cognitive decline in the adult population.
While traditional therapies are cornerstones in therapeutic approaches, research also directs doctors to the potential of integrative medical approaches – approaches that address both biochemical and physiological factors of the above-named disorders.
In particular, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and Intravenous (IV) Nutritional Therapy are therapies proven to work, offering many benefits and an improved quality of life. Therefore, it’s important to review the science behind these advantages.
For instance HBOT has been shown by scientists to have far-reaching effects when administered to autistic children. One clinical trial proved that HBOT was more helpful in addressing the needs of autistic children over traditional risperidone therapy.
Getting a Better Understanding Learning and Sensory Processing Disorders
Before discussing the remedies, it is pertinent to understand the definitions of learning and sensory processing disorders and their characteristics across all age groups and backgrounds.
Learning Disorders
Learning disorders are disorders that relate to underlying neurological processing problems that prevent learners from obtaining essential skills, such as reading, writing, and math.
As a result, mastering higher-level skills such as organizing, thinking abstractly, managing time, remembering, and paying attention may be hindered. While these deficits do not indicate a loss of general intelligence, they do affect how people receive, interpret or communicate information.
Examples of Learning and Sensory Processing Impairments that Benefit from HBOT or IV Nutritional Therapy
Below are examples of learning disabilities that benefit from HBOT or IV Nutritional Therapy:
Dyslexia
Dyslexia affects how a person processes the written language. Therefore, learners are challenged when reading, writing or spelling out words.
Dyscalculia
Dyscalculia is a learning disorder that affects a learner’s ability to perform mathematical equations or understand more difficult numerical concepts.
Dysgraphia
Broadly defined, dysgraphia is a disability that causes a person to have problems with writing, including difficulties with forming letters, spacing letters, spelling, and fine motor coordination. The disorder also affects the rate a person writes and their grammar and composition skills.
Auditory and Visual Processing Disorders
Even though a person may have normal hearing and vision, they may still have problems comprehending the spoken language if they have a disorder that affects auditory or visual processing.
What Is a Sensory Processing Problem?
A sensory processing disorder or SPD represents a medical illness where the brain can’t process and react normally to the stimuli received by the body’s peripheral senses. Generally, people with SPD are hypersensitive or hyposensitive to their environment, making it a challenge to carry out everyday activities or to respond to the stimuli around them.
The Neuropsychology of Sensory Processing Disorders and Learning Disabilities
When trying to understand a sensory processing disorder or a learning impairment, you have to consider some key components with respect to brain health.
Neuronal Communication
How the cells and neurons talk to each other may be inefficient or marked by other discrepancies.
Brain Structure
Minor variations may appear in some brain regions or brain connectivity may be affected.
Neurotransmitter Imbalances
Irregularity of target molecules in the brain which help in actuating different brain tasks may lead to an imbalance.
Neuroinflammation
Long-term inflammation can hamper cognitive processes.
Oxidative Stress
When there is an imbalance between the body’s free radicals and antioxidants, it leads to damage to the brain cells.
When we understand the reasons for learning disorders or sensory processing problems, we can explore innovative therapies like HBOT and IV Nutrition Therapy. Both these integrative therapies can address the foundational aspects of brain health.
Boosting Brain Oxygenation with HBOT
HBOT represents a treatment approach that involves breathing pure oxygen in an environment that is pressurized. HBOT was originally designed to treat decompression sickness in divers. Since that time, it’s been found to support and treat a wide range of conditions, including neurological disorders.
How HBOT Works
During an HBOT session, the patient enters a specially designed chamber where the air pressure is increased two to three times above the normal atmospheric pressure. Under these conditions, the lungs receive significantly more oxygen than is otherwise possible.
In turn, oxygen-rich blood circulates throughout the body, promoting healing and potentially improving various physiological processes.
How HBOT Can Be Useful for the Treatment of Learning Disorders and Sensory Processing
There are several key underlying reasons that show why HBOT may be useful for treating children and adults with learning problems or sensory functioning difficulties.
Increased Oxygen Use
When oxygen is increased in the blood plasma, HBOT can also increase the oxygen in the brain. Oxygen deprivation may be due to inflammation or poor blood flow.
Reduced Inflammation
At a higher pressure, oxygen produces anti-inflammatory effects. This reduces the neuroinflammation related to a variety of sensory and cognitive disorders.
Stimulating Neuroplasticity
HBOT promotes the development of new blood vessels (referred to as angiogenesis). It stimulates the growth, as well, of new neural connections. This improves cognitive functioning and the brain’s ability to adapt to processes and understand concepts.
Mitochondrial Functioning and Improvement
Improved oxygenation can enhance the function of mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cells. This can potentially help brain cells improve the amount of energy they produce.
What the Research Says about HBOT and Learning Disorders
Researchers have published findings about the benefits of HBOT and IV nutritional therapy for learning disorders and brain health.
ADHD
Research suggests that nutrition (vitamin-mineral) therapy helps regulate aggression in children with ADHD.
Another report indicated that ADHD children who followed an oligoantigenic (“few-foods”) nutritional plan–eliminating individually identified foods–improved their behavior and cognitive functioning.
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Research published in “Medical Gas Research” revealed improvements in social interaction and sensory awareness in children with ASD after HBOT treatments.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Multiple studies show HBOT to be beneficial in improving cognitive function and reducing symptoms in individuals who are recovering from traumatic brain injury.
Research Studies Directed to HBOT and Sensory Processing
While research specific to sensory processing disorders is limited, the anti-inflammatory and neuroplasticity-promoting effects of HBOT suggest improvements in sensory integration.
While these results are encouraging, it should be noted that HBOT is not a cure-all and therefore should be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that is medically supervised.
IV Nutritional Therapy: Nourishing the Brain
Intravenous (IV) Nutritional Therapy involves the direct infusion of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients into the bloodstream. This method bypasses the digestive system. Therefore, it allows for higher concentrations of nutrients – all of which are delivered directly to the cells.
The Role of Nutrition in Brain Health
A highly metabolically active organ, the brain needs an ongoing supply of nutrients to function well. If you have deficiencies in some vitamins and minerals then, it can impact how your brain operates.
The goal of IV nutritional therapy addresses nutritional deficiencies in the brain both quickly and proficiently.
What Are the Key Nutrients Need for Cognitive and Sensory Functioning?
B-Complex Vitamins
Essential for energy production, neurotransmitter synthesis, and myelin formation (the protective coating around nerve fibers), B-Complex vitamins are major nutrients in these processes.
Magnesium
This mineral is required for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including those involved in neurotransmitter release and nerve signal transmission.
Zinc
Zinc is an important nutrient for cognitive development, neurotransmitter function, and neuroplasticity.
Vitamin C
This powerful antioxidant supports neurotransmitter production and protects brain cells from oxidative stress.
Amino Acids
Amino acids are the building blocks for neurotransmitters and proteins essential for brain functioning.
Glutathione
Often called the body’s “master antioxidant,” glutathione plays a major role in protecting brain cells from oxidative damage and stress.
Potential Benefits of IV Nutritional Therapy for Learning and Sensory Processing Disorders
Research is limited when it comes to IV Nutritional Therapy. However, studies published find some notable advantages.
Improved Brain Functioning
One study published in the “Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease” indicated that the IV administration of B vitamins improves brain function for people with a mild cognitive impairment.
While research on IV Nutritional Therapy specifically for learning and sensory processing disorders is limited, studies of individual nutrients and their effects on brain function suggest several potential benefits.
Improved Neurotransmitter Functioning
Researchers have found that some amino acids and vitamins, when applied intravenously, can support the function of neurotransmitters. These transmitters include serotonin and dopamine – both which may be compromised in conditions like ASD and ADHD.
Lower Oxidative Stress
The higher doses used in IV therapy can be used to combat oxidative stress in brain health. This is related to a variety of neurological conditions.
Improved Detoxification
Nutrients like glutathione can help the body get rid of toxins, reducing the negative impact on brain functioning.
Synergizing HBOT and IV Nutritional Therapy
Combining HBOT and IV Nutritional Therapy creates a synergistic effect – an effect that addresses several aspects of brain health simultaneously.
Oxygenation and Nutrient Delivery
HBOT improves the circulation, enhancing the delivery and use of nutrients delivered through IV therapy.
Cellular Energy Production
The increase in oxygen in HBOT, combined with nutrients and B vitamins, increases energy metabolism in the body, which also increases energy production in the brain.
Complex Cases
People with severe symptoms or several symptoms can benefit from HBOT and IV Nutritional Therapy, especially when they find traditional therapies do not satisfy their therapeutic requirements.
Faster Recovery from Injuries to the Brain
When oxygen therapy and nutrient support are combined, the brain heals more efficiently from traumatic injuries.
Cognitive Improvement
HBOT and IV Nutritional Therapy prove to support brain health, whether or not a person has a learning disorder.
Sensory Integration
A dual approach–HBOT and IV Nutritional Therapy–improves sensory processing by addressing both biochemical and physiological components.
Final Thoughts
As the research into these therapies continues to develop, these treatments can become valuable tools in addressing learning disorders and sensory processing difficulties. By combining cutting-edge therapies with traditional intervention, we can get closer to unlocking the full potential of people who need these treatments and this type of care.
Citations:
J Child Psychol Psychiatry. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2021 Jan 4.
Published in final edited form as: J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2017 Oct 2;59(3):232–246. Vitamin-mineral treatment improves aggression and emotional regulation in children with ADHD: a fully blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (This research supports the vitamin-mineral supplementation for children with ADHD.)
Basic Clin Neurosci. 2023 Jul 1:14(4):501-510. Therapeutic Impacts of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Risperidone on Children with Autism: A Clinical Trial (This research trial demonstrated that HBOT offered better results than Risperidone treatments.)
Curr Nutr Rep. 2023 Jul 28;12(3):383–394. Nutrition in the Management of ADHD: A Review of Recent Research (This trial showed that ADHD children on a carefully prescribed diet improved cognitively and behaviorally.)
Rossignol, D.A., Bradstreet, J.J., Van Dyke, K. et al. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment in autism spectrum disorders. Med Gas Res 2, 16 (2012) (This study revealed that social interaction improved for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) when following HBOT treatments.)
J Head Trauma Rehabil. 2016 Sep 6;32(3):E27–E37. Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Effective for Traumatic Brain Injury? A Rapid Evidence Assessment of the Literature and Recommendations for the Field (Research strongly suggests that HBOT is helpful in improving the cognitive health of patients suffering from traumatic brain injury.)
