Neurological symptoms improved by hyperbaric oxygen therapy in a post-cardiac arrest patient due to carbon monoxide poisoning: a case report

Abstract

Background: Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and cardiac arrest can cause neurological complications such as mental deterioration and movement disorders through ischemic brain injury. We report a case in which neurological sequelae after cardiac arrest caused by CO poisoning improved after hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy. Case report: A 43-year-old male visited the hospital with cardiac arrest due to CO poisoning. He developed neurological sequelae including mental deterioration and myoclonus after recovering spontaneous circulation. Anticonvulsant therapy was used after target temperature management but did not have a positive effect on neurological symptoms. However, after HBO2 therapy the patient's neurological symptoms improved, and he was discharged a month later. Conclusion: HBO2 therapy may be considered when neurological sequelae persist after cardiac arrest due to CO poisoning.