What Researchers Did
Researchers reviewed patient records at The Mount Sinai Medical Center to identify complications associated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy for head and neck diseases.
What They Found
They found serious complications including seizure, stroke, and myocardial infarction in patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy for head and neck diseases. Furthermore, a follow-up revealed that 11 patients treated for radiation-induced necrosis had an undiagnosed recurrence of cancer.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients considering hyperbaric oxygen therapy for head and neck conditions should be aware of potential serious complications like seizure, stroke, and heart attack. It is crucial for patients to have thorough follow-up and discuss all risks and benefits with their healthcare providers, especially concerning cancer recurrence.
Canadian Relevance
This study was conducted in the United States and has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
This study is limited by its retrospective review design at a single institution, which may affect the generalizability of its findings.