Who is not allowed to accompany a patient during hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) serves as an effective adjunctive treatment for traumatic brain injury, cerebral infarction, and hypoxic encephalopathy. During treatment, the patient breathes 100% oxygen inside a sealed hyperbaric chamber pressurized to approximately 2 atmospheres absolute (ATA), for about two hours per session. Prior to closing the chamber, the pressure must be gradually increased (compression); before opening the chamber door, the pressure must be gradually decreased (decompression). The patient must remain inside the chamber throughout the entire session and cannot leave midway.

Patients who are unable to care for themselves or whose clinical condition is unstable require an attendant during treatment. Individuals with contraindications to HBOT—including those with epilepsy, active respiratory infections, ear or nasal disorders, or claustrophobia—are not permitted to enter the chamber, either as patients or attendants.