Infraorbital hypesthesia after maxillary sinus barotrauma

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Diving Medicine
• Barotrauma Research

Background:

• Diving activities carry risks of barotrauma, affecting air-filled cavities like sinuses.
• Cranial nerve deficits can occur following barotrauma, though often misdiagnosed.
• Distinguishing barotrauma from decompression sickness is crucial for appropriate patient management.

Observation:

• A diver experienced facial pain, crepitus, and infraorbital nerve sensory deficit post-ascent.
• Symptoms presented after a dive, raising suspicion for barotrauma or decompression sickness.
• Clinical presentation strongly suggested maxillary sinus barotrauma as the etiology.

Findings:

• The case details sensory loss in the infraorbital nerve distribution.
• Facial pain and crepitus were key presenting symptoms.
• Analysis points towards barotrauma, not decompression sickness, causing the neurological findings.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering barotrauma in divers with neurological symptoms.
• Accurate diagnosis is vital to differentiate barotrauma from decompression sickness.
• Understanding trigeminal nerve anatomy aids in diagnosing barotrauma-induced deficits.