Complications of hyperbaric oxygen therapy



While it's generally very safe, as with all medical treatments, Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, Lubbock TX carries with it the risk of complications that in rare instances can be life threatening and/or result in permanent or long-term disability.

Barotrauma of the ear

Barotrauma is a term that refers to injury due to increased pressure. Barotrauma of the ear is the most frequent complication of HBO. The middle-ear is an air-filled cavity behind the ear drum that connects to the throat through a slit-like passage called the eustachian tube.
Round or oval window rupture
Round and/or oval window rupture is a phenomenon related to ear barotruama. The round and oval windows are membranes separating the air-filled middle ear from the fluid-filled inner ear.
Sinus squeeze
Similarly to the middle-ear, the sinuses are air-filled spaces in the skull. Failure to equalize the pressure in the sinuses and the external environment leads to severe pain and possibly bleeding into the sinuses.
Tooth squeeze
Recent dental work can leave air-filled voids in teeth. The inability to equalize the pressure in these pockets can lead to pain and even cracking of the teeth.
Pneumothorax or pulmonary barotrauma
This generally occurs in patients with air trapping lesions in the lungs, such as can occur in emphysema or asthma. During decompression, these air-filled pockets will begin to expand, and, if the pressure is not relieved by the airways in the lungs, these pockets can rupture.
Oxygen toxicity seizures
The high level of oxygen in the blood that occurs during HBO treatments can be toxic to the central nervous system and can result in seizure activity. Treatment consists of simply removing the supplemental oxygen from the patient, which will terminate the seizure.

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