Last updated on 07 April 08

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Hyperbaric medicine, also known as hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is the medical use of oxygen at a higher than atmospheric pressure. Hyperbaric is the only technique available to overcome the natural limit of oxygen solubility in blood. The hyperbaric procedure is done in specially designed chambers that permit the delivery of 100% oxygen at ambient pressures that are greater than atmospheric. This allows dissolved oxygen in the blood and clear fluids to be increased by up to 20 times normal levels. This additional oxygen in solution is almost sufficient to meet tissue needs without contribution from oxygen bound to hemoglobin and is responsible for most of the beneficial effects of this therapy. History of pneumothorax; The only absolute contraindication for HBOT is untreated pneumothorax. Surgical relief of the pneumothorax before HBOT session, if possible removes the obstacle to treatment. Chest x-ray may be necessary to rule out pneumothorax, if patient’s medical history includes: i. History of spontaneous pneumothorax; ii. History of thoracic surgery; iii.History of chest injury. Pneumothorax is a complication, which can be caused by breath holding during decompression. All safety aspects of Hyperbaric Oxygen are fully explained during the orientation session. Please let us know if you have a history of chest trauma or thoracic surgery. Congenital spherocytocis; This is a condition in which the person has fragile blood cells. HBOT may result in massive hemolysis or cell destruction. Emphysema with CO2 retention; Caution must be exercised in giving high pressures and high concentrations of oxygen to clients who may be existing on the hypoxic drive in order to continue breathing. Clients with emphysema may develop difficulty breathing in the chamber and require emergency care. In addition, gas trapping and subsequent lung rupture can occur. This is also true for any condition that is associated with bullous formation in the lungs. Optic neuritis; There have been reports in patients with a history of optic neuritis of failing sight and even blindness following HBOT. This complaint would seem to be extremely rare but of tragic consequence. History of middle ear surgery or disorders; Please notify us of any current or past ear problems. There is a risk of further injury with inability to clear ears. High fever; High fevers tend to lower the seizure threshold due to oxygen toxicity and may result in the delay of relative routine therapy. History of seizures; HBOT may lower the seizure threshold. Initially, seizure activity will usually increase, but after about 20 treatments, the seizures will start to decrease. Typically, they stop completely or decrease significantly.