Hyperbaric oxygen-associated seizure leading to stroke.

Oxygen toxicity seizures are a well-known complication of hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT). Until now, there have not been any reported cases of an acute ischaemic event (stroke) as the result of a HBOT-associated oxygen toxicity seizure. We report an event in which a seizure and stroke occurred together and consider that the stroke may have been caused by seizure-induced demand ischaemia. This challenges the generally held view that oxygen toxicity seizures in the clinical hyperbaric setting are benign. A discussion of the literature on the subject of seizure-induced brain injury is included. Risk factors for cerebrovascular disease should be taken into consideration in determining treatment pressures for HBOT, as reducing pressure reduces seizure risk.

HIV-1-associated dementia: a basic science and clinical perspective.

HIV-1 associated dementia (HAD) is a metabolic encephalopathy induced by viral infection and fueled by immune activation of brain mononuclear phagocytes (perivascular and parenchymal macrophages and microglia). These same cells serve as reservoirs for persistent infection and sources for soluble neurotoxins. Neurologic impairments are manifested by cognitive, behavioral, and motor abnormalities that occur years after viral exposure and are associated with depletion of CD4+ T lymphocytes and high viral loads. Improvements in antiretroviral and adjunctive therapies have decreased HAD incidence, but cognitive dysfunction remains a cause of morbidity in many infected persons.