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Last Updated: Mar 11, 2003 9:00 PM

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  What are the possible side effects of HBOT?
  • Barotrauma or ear and sinus discomfort. A patient may experience a fullness and an uncomfortable pressure in the ears. This can be relieved by slowing the rate of descent/ascent so that the patient is comfortable with the change in pressure. Also, decongestants taken prior to treatment is sometimes helpful.
  • Oxygen toxicity. This may occur, particularly when therapy is given at more than 2.4 ATA. This is minimized by not exposing the patient to greater pressure or longer times than are known to be safe for the body and its organs. Some patients are susceptible to high O2 partial pressures. Treatment is the discontinuance of HBOT.
  • Serous otitis. Rarely, fluid accumulates in the ears as a result of changes in pressure in the ears and sinuses resulting in a possible ruptured membrane. Treatment is the discontinuance of HBOT and a referral to an ENT physician.
  • Temporary worsening of near-sightedness (Myopia). After twenty or more treatments, especially if the patient is over forty years of age, it is possible to experience a temporary diminution in the ability to focus on things far away. This is temporary and vision typically returns to its pre-treatment level about six weeks after cessation of therapy. It is not advisable to get a new prescription for glasses until at least eight weeks have passed after hyperbaric therapy.
  • Temporary improvement in far-sightedness (Presbyopia). Also, after twenty or more treatments, especially if the patent is over forty years of age, there is a possibility to experience an improvement in the ability to see things close up or to read without glasses. However, this is temporary and the vision should return to its previous level of acuity in about six weeks following cessation of hyperbaric treatment.
  • Numb fingers. A small portion of patients sometimes notice a numb feeling in the fourth and fifth fingers of the hands after twenty or more treatments. This should not be of concern and should disappear within about six weeks following cessation of therapy.

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