What Researchers Did
Researchers reviewed patient records from a single facility to determine how often oxygen-induced seizures occurred during routine hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatments.
What They Found
Out of 20,328 hyperbaric oxygen treatments performed between 1992 and 2001, 6 patients experienced an oxygen-toxic seizure, resulting in an overall incidence of 1 in 3,388 treatments (0.03%). The study found no difference in seizure incidence between two different brands of oxygen delivery hoods. This incidence was approximately three-fold greater than historical reports but consistent with more recent findings.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
This was a retrospective study conducted at a single facility, and the specific reason for the observed increase in seizure incidence compared to older reports remains unknown.