J Emerg Med
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Studies have shown that inhalation of hydrogen gas, which acts as an antioxidant, can protect the brain against free radicals in rats with ischemia-reperfusion. The neuronal damage caused by acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is partly free radical mediated. We hypothesize that hydrogen may prevent neurological damage from CO poisoning. ⋯ H(2)-rich saline may effectively protect the brain from injury after acute CO poisoning. The mechanism of this protection may be related to lessening oxidative damage by affecting trace elements in vivo.