ABSTRACT
Central nervous system Central nervous system oxygen toxicity is not usually observed with inhaled oxygen partial pressures of less than 2.0 ATA.20 It may occur before pulmonary toxicity at pressures above 3.0ATA, and, like pulmonary toxicity, there is wide variation in individual sensitivity. Oxygen toxicity of the CNS is characterized by convulsions, which may be preceded by visual symptoms or muscular twitching. Exercise and hypercapnia accelerate the onset of symptoms, probably due to cerebrovasodilation and increased delivery of oxygen to the brain. CNS oxygen toxicity is rapidly reversible with decreases in the P]o2 and permanent or residual sequelae have not been reported.
