OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL CENTER OF TEXAS RECEIVES $870,000 GRANT TO STUDY HYPERBARIC OXYGEN IMPACT ON CEREBRAL PALSY PATIENTS

The study will test the hypothesis that HBOT will improve the neurological functioning in cerebral palsy patients.

FORT WORTH, TEXAS ? (April 14, 2003) Osteopathic Medical Center of Texas' Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine Center has received an $870,000 grant to study the potential benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for Cerebral Palsy.

Dr. Bud Prather, Dr. Kelly Grimes, Director Glenn Hermes and Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-Texas) were instrumental in securing funding for the study.

The study will test the hypothesis that HBOT will improve the neurological functioning in cerebral palsy patients. Cerebral palsy is a chronic condition affecting body and/or limb movement and control of muscle tone and coordination. It is caused by an injury to the brain before, during or shortly after birth.

Based on other research and a previous study done at OMCT, the outlook for new possibilities is promising. Children receiving HBOT have reported improvements that include decreased spasticity, improved speech, increased alertness, and improved visual functioning.

The Osteopathic Medical Center of Texas is the largest osteopathic hospital in Texas. It is the flagship of The Osteopathic Health System of Texas, a complete provider of osteopathic health care, with more than 400 physicians and eight family medicine clinics.

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