Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is offered at Circulation Station as a noninvasive support option. Many patients in Loudon and the surrounding area with neurological or systemic conditions want to understand potential risks before starting therapy. This overview provides the side effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy explained in clear, accurate terms, aligned with what we offer at Circulation Station.
Understanding Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: How It Supports
Complex Health Conditions
At Circulation Station, we provide mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy (mHBOT). In this therapy, patients breathe concentrated oxygen inside a pressurized chamber set to a level moderately above normal atmosphere. This allows oxygen to dissolve more effectively into plasma, delivering greater oxygenation to tissues.
Conditions addressed at Circulation Station include migraines, concussion/TBI, autoimmune disease, and long COVID. mHBOT supports recovery by reducing inflammation, improving oxygen delivery, and promoting cellular repair. Circulation Station integrates mHBOT with other explicitly offered services: weight loss, redlight therapy.
The Role of Oxygen in Neurological and Systemic Healing
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy works by increasing the amount of oxygen your blood plasma can carry under pressure. This enriched oxygen delivery supports healing in tissues affected by injury, inflammation, or chronic illness. The benefits extend to both neurological conditions and systemic health concerns.
● Oxygen and cellular repair: Concentrated oxygen saturates tissues, restoring function where blood flow is limited.
● Neurological benefits: For patients with migraines, ADHD, or post-concussion syndrome, hyperbaric oxygen therapy supports brain repair, balances neurotransmitters, and reduces inflammatory responses.
● Systemic healing: Patients with autoimmune disease, long COVID, or musculoskeletal pain benefit from improved mitochondrial function, energy production, and lower oxidative stress, reducing fatigue and lightheadedness.
By addressing both wellness and systemic challenges, hyperbaric oxygen therapy offers a safe, noninvasive approach to healing. Many clients at Circulation Station report improved clarity, sleep, energy, and pain relief, showing its value as part of a comprehensive care plan.
Common Side Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Adults and
Children
In general, mHBOT is considered safe. Some patients, especially early in treatment,
may experience:
● Ear or sinus pressure: This is similar to what you might feel during takeoff or landing in a plane. We train patients in simple equalization techniques (swallowing, yawning) to ease discomfort. This helps reduce the risk of middle ear barotrauma and related pain pressure.
● Temporary vision changes: Slight blurring or shifts in focus may occur after multiple sessions. These changes typically reverse once therapy is paused or completed.
● Mild fatigue or lightheadedness: As your body adapts to higher oxygen levels, brief tiredness or dizziness may appear.
While very rare, more serious hyperbaric complications include barotrauma (damage to ears, sinuses, or lungs from pressure changes) and oxygen toxicity (from excessive exposure to oxygen).These potential adverse events are closely monitored. We also watch for potential complications such as pulmonary barotrauma in sensitive individuals.
At Circulation Station, we educate every patient ahead of time about possible effects and remain vigilant during therapy to adjust protocols if discomfort arises.
Recognizing and Preventing Oxygen Poisoning During Therapy
Sessions
Though oxygen toxicity is rare in mild HBOT settings, it’s important to recognize symptoms. Early signs can include:
● Ringing or buzzing in the ears
● Muscle twitching
● Nausea
● Visual disturbances
In extremely rare cases, extended high oxygen exposure may provoke more severe symptoms such as a toxicity seizure.
To prevent this, we follow strict safety guidelines:
● Limit session duration and frequency: Shorter, well-spaced sessions lower the risk of oxygen buildup in the body. This approach ensures that patients gain the therapeutic benefits of oxygen without crossing into unsafe exposure levels.
● Use moderate pressures consistent with mHBOT protocols: Mild hyperbaric therapy employs lower pressures than hospital-grade chambers. By maintaining these safe ranges, we reduce the likelihood of adverse events while still supporting cellular repair and healing.
● Monitor oxygen concentration and humidity in the chamber: Proper humidity helps protect the airways and reduces irritation. Careful oxygen monitoring ensures patients remain within safe, medically recommended exposure thresholds.
● Pause or adjust treatment if any early symptoms appear: If a patient feels discomfort, our staff can lower chamber pressure or stop the session entirely. This rapid response prevents potential complications from escalating.
Because our staff at Circulation Station is trained and attentive, we tailor each session to your individual tolerance and intervene quickly when needed.
Precautions and Safety Guidelines Provided by Circulation Station
Each patient receives a neurological and orthopedic exam, and advanced diagnostics such as posture analysis, lab testing, and imaging when needed. This careful review reduces medical risks and ensures safety.
Safeguards include:
● Teaching pressure-equalization techniques to reduce middle ear discomfort
● Gradually increasing chamber pressure
● Monitoring for early signs of fatigue, visual changes, or pulmonary stress
● Maintaining open communication throughout sessions
● Adjusting or pausing therapy when necessary
mHBOT works best when paired with the Circulation Station Approach, which addresses inflammation through neurological, musculoskeletal, chemical, and hormonal pillars.
Start Your Personalized Healing with the Circulation Station Approach
Choosing mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy at Circulation Station means receiving personalized care. The Circulation Station Approach combines multiple services: red light therapy, weight loss and hyperbaric oxygen therapy to target systemic inflammation at its root.
If you want to see whether mHBOT fits your care plan, schedule a Consult & Exam. During that visit, we review your history, complete testing, and design a personalized plan around your goals.