What is the primary risk of oxygen toxicity in hyperbaric therapy?

The primary risk of oxygen toxicity in hyperbaric therapy is indeed central nervous system effects, which can include seizures and visual disturbances. This condition arises due to the excessive levels of oxygen that a patient is exposed to during hyperbaric treatments, particularly at higher pressures. When oxygen is inhaled at elevated pressures, it can lead to a toxic accumulation of reactive oxygen species, which may adversely affect neurons.

Symptoms of central nervous system oxygen toxicity can manifest as visual disturbances, such as tunnel vision or changes in color perception, and may escalate to more severe effects like seizures, muscle twitching, or loss of consciousness. The nervous system is particularly sensitive to changes in oxygen levels, leading to the potential for significant adverse effects.

While increased blood pressure, dehydration, and loss of consciousness can be related to hyperbaric therapy, they are not the primary concerns associated with oxygen toxicity. Increased blood pressure can occur due to a range of physiological responses, while dehydration is not a direct result of oxygen toxicity. Loss of consciousness may occur in extreme cases but is often a secondary effect of other more immediate symptoms related to central nervous system involvement. Thus, central nervous system effects remain the primary risk of oxygen toxicity in this context.