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[Neurologic decompression sickness in sports divers]
Johannes Bjørnstad1, Harald Nyland, Håvard Skeidsvoll
1Nevrologisk avdeling, Haukeland Sykehus 5021 Bergen. johsbj@online.no
Summary
Most sports divers treated for decompression sickness experienced residual neurological symptoms. Older divers, deeper dives, and repetitive diving were associated with poorer outcomes and persistent EEG changes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Diving Medicine
- Hyperbaric Medicine
Context:
- Sports diving is a popular recreational activity.
- Decompression sickness (DCS) can lead to persistent neurological and neuropsychological symptoms.
- Standard hyperbaric treatment may not fully resolve all DCS-related deficits.
Purpose:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of residual neurological symptoms in sports divers after treatment for decompression sickness and arterial gas embolism.
- To identify potential risk factors associated with poorer treatment outcomes.
Summary:
- A retrospective review of 20 sports divers treated for DCS at Haukeland University Hospital in 1997 was conducted.
- 11 divers (55%) exhibited residual neurological symptoms upon discharge, with sensory loss and asymmetrical reflexes being most common.
- Five divers had a poor treatment response (≥50% residual clinical score), tending to be older, with deeper and more repetitive dives.
- Seven divers showed initial EEG abnormalities, with two exhibiting persistent changes post-treatment.
Impact:
- Highlights the significant incidence of residual neurological deficits following DCS in sports divers, even after appropriate hyperbaric treatment.
- Suggests that factors like age, dive depth, and dive frequency may influence treatment outcomes.
- Underscores the need for further research into optimizing DCS management and rehabilitation strategies for divers.