Seizure during hyperbaric oxygen therapy for carbon monoxide toxicity: a case series and five-year experience

J Emerg Med. 2012 Apr;42(4):e69-72. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2008.12.017. Epub 2009 Apr 15.

Abstract

Background: Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy is recommended to reduce the delayed neurologic sequelae resulting from carbon monoxide (CO) toxicity. Although HBO is generally well tolerated, there exists a risk of seizure in all patients that may be increased in patients with predisposing factors including: fever, hypothermia, prior seizure, or brain injury.

Case report: We present two cases of patients without known risk factors who experienced seizures associated with HBO therapy during treatment for CO toxicity.

Conclusion: This facility's 5-year experience and a review of the germane literature are also presented to elucidate the risk factors and incidence of seizures in patients treated with HBO for CO toxicity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carbon Monoxide Poisoning / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperbaric Oxygenation / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Factors
  • Seizures / epidemiology
  • Seizures / etiology*