Contraindications for Hyperventilation in EEG Recordings

Absolute Contraindications

The American Heart Association recommends that hyperventilation during EEG recordings is contraindicated in patients with recent stroke, significant carotid stenosis, recent intracranial hemorrhage, and Moyamoya disease, as cerebral vasoconstriction could be harmful 1
The American Thoracic Society suggests that sickle cell disease or trait is a contraindication for hyperventilation during EEG recordings 2

The European Respiratory Society notes that increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is a relative contraindication for hyperventilation, as it may cause rebound increases in ICP after normalization of CO2 levels 1
The American Thoracic Society recommends that hyperventilation should be used with caution in patients with cardiac conditions where increased cardiac output could be detrimental, severe pulmonary disease, pregnancy (especially late-term), and psychogenic disorders where hyperventilation may trigger anxiety reactions or panic attacks 2, 3

The American Heart Association suggests that hyperventilation should be used cautiously in children with cardiac conditions due to potential hemodynamic effects 4

The American Thoracic Society notes that respiratory alkalosis leading to light-headedness, dizziness, or paresthesias is a potential risk of hyperventilation during EEG recordings 2
The American Heart Association recommends that cerebral vasoconstriction potentially worsening cerebral ischemia in vulnerable patients is a risk of hyperventilation during EEG recordings 1