A multiple sclerosis-sufferer who died after having a seizure in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber could have had a cardiac arrest after "too much oxygen", a Melbourne court has been told.
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Former chiropractor Malcolm Hooper, 58, faced Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday for a committal hearing to determine if he will stand trial after one of his clients died in 2016.
Hooper was deregistered as a chiropractor in 2013 before opening his South Yarra clinic, Oxymed.
He and Oxymed face a raft of workplace safety charges including failing to notify WorkCover or provide a written record of the incident, failing to ensure the workplace was safe, and engaging in reckless conduct, placing others in danger of serious injury.
Forensic pathologist Sarah Parsons said Craig Dawson died from global cerebral ischemia - a lack of blood flow to the brain, which can be caused from too much oxygen, leading to seizures.
The court was told Mr Dawson was resuscitated by paramedics after convulsing in the chamber.
Mr Dawson was taken to hospital before dying a few days later.
According to court documents, Mr Dawson had multiple sclerosis with epilepsy and was wheelchair-bound.
He had been undergoing twice-weekly, four-hour sessions at Hooper's clinic for 18 months, the documents state.
The documents also allege Mr Dawson was not seen for some time while in the chamber, as there was no outside attendant.
When he was seen again, it was believed Mr Dawson was convulsing and not responding to voice.
The hearing continues.
Australian Associated Press