What Researchers Did
This study describes the case of a 57-year-old man who experienced a cerebral air embolism immediately after a common dental procedure involving air-powder abrasion.
What They Found
Immediately after dental treatment, the patient suffered cardiac arrest and was resuscitated; subsequent brain imaging showed scattered air and later, multifocal cerebral infarction, leading to a diagnosis of cerebral air embolism and symptoms like right-sided paralysis. After hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) began four days post-incident, the patient regained consciousness and showed improved cognitive function, with only grade 4 muscle weakness remaining in his right lower leg.
Canadian Relevance
The study authors are not Canadian. However, cerebral air embolism is covered under the Health Canada-recognised indication of arterial gas embolism for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Study Limitations
As a case report, this study describes only one individual's experience, which limits how broadly its findings can be applied to other patients.