What is a major complication of the hyperbaric chamber?

• A. Hypotension
• B. Convulsions
• C. Hemorrhage
• D. Arrhythmia

Answer: (B)

In hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the most dangerous acute risk is central nervous system oxygen toxicity, which can manifest as convulsions. When patients are exposed to high partial pressures of oxygen in a pressurized chamber, oxygen diffusion into the brain increases and can trigger neuronal overexcitation, leading to seizures that can occur within minutes to hours of exposure. This is why convulsions are considered the major complication. The immediate clinical response is to stop the HBOT session, decompress to a safer pressure, and manage the seizure if one occurs, with anticonvulsants as needed. Other potential effects like hypotension, hemorrhage, or arrhythmias can occur in various contexts, but they are not the defining, life-threatening complication associated with HBOT in the same way CNS oxygen toxicity leading to seizures is.