Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Coherence between Brain Cortical Function and Neurocognitive Performance during Changed Gravity Conditions
Published on: May 23, 2011
Paralysis and blindness during a balloon ascent to high altitude
1Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0623, USA. jwest@ucsd.edu
Abstract:
An account of the classic balloon ascent to over 29,000 ft (8840 m) by J. Glaisher and H. T. Coxwell on September 5, 1862, appeared in The Lancet and is reproduced here. Glaisher reported paralysis of his arms and legs and sudden loss of sight. Coxwell also lost the use of his hands and could only open the valve of the balloon to initiate its descent by seizing the cord with his teeth. These symptoms are unusual for acute hypoxia, and in a recent article Michael J. Doherty suggested that they may have been caused by decompression sickness. However, this seems unlikely based on many reported cases of subatmospheric decompression sickness.
Related Concept Videos
Atelectasis II: Pathophysiology
Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology
Hyperpnea and Hyperventilation
Acute Respiratory Failure-III
Pneumothorax-I
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Acute Respiratory Failure-IV
