title: Risk factors for oxygen toxicity seizures in hyperbaric oxygen therapy: case reports from multiple institutions.
abstract: Oxygen toxicity seizures are a rare but recognized complication of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy. Many patients undergoing HBO2 therapy have medical conditions or are taking medications that could contribute to seizures. Previous literature has not extensively reported on these factors in patients experiencing oxygen toxicity seizures. We conducted a chart review at several hyperbaric oxygen centers in the Milwaukee, Wisc., area to explore whether the patients who experienced seizures in the hyperbaric chamber had other medical comorbidities or were on medications which lowered their seizure threshold, thereby contributing to oxygen toxicity seizures. There were a total of seven cases of seizures in five patients. Each patient had risk factors for seizures, including hypercapnia secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, narcotic withdrawal, alcohol dependence, and antidepressant, tramadol or cephalosporin/ceftriaxone use. We hypothesize that patients who experience oxygen toxicity seizures may have other factors which contribute to the development of these seizures.
authors.affiliation: University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
authors.forename: Ruthanna
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Seidel
authors.affiliation: Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Carroll
authors.affiliation: Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
authors.forename: Debra
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.affiliation: Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
authors.forename: Rena G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Diem
authors.affiliation: Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
authors.forename: Kwabena
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yeboah
authors.affiliation: Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Hayes
authors.affiliation: Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
authors.forename: Brett
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.affiliation: Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
authors.forename: Harry T
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: Whelan
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006931:Hyperbaric Oxygenation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006935:Hypercapnia / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009294:Narcotics / Q000009:adverse effects; D010100:Oxygen / Q000009:adverse effects*; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000150:complications; D012307:Risk Factors; D012640:Seizures / Q000209:etiology*; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D014922:Wisconsin
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D009294:Narcotics; D010100:Oxygen