Spinal Cord Decompression Sickness in a Sport Scuba Diver.

Area of Science:

• Diving Medicine
• Hyperbaric Physiology
• Neurology

Background:

• Standard US Navy diving tables provide guidelines for safe dive times and depths.
• Decompression sickness (DCS) can occur even when these limits are not exceeded.
• Strenuous physical exertion during diving can increase DCS risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight a case of spinal cord DCS in a diver who adhered to standard dive table limits.
• To emphasize that strenuous dives approaching table limits may still pose a risk.
• To underscore the importance of rapid diagnosis and hyperbaric oxygen treatment for DCS.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 26-year-old diver.
• Review of dive profile (time and depth) in relation to US Navy diving tables.
• Clinical assessment and diagnosis of spinal cord decompression sickness.
• Administration of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Main Results:

• The diver experienced spinal cord DCS despite not exceeding established time and depth limits.
• The case suggests that dive table parameters may be insufficient for highly strenuous dives.
• Rapid diagnosis and hyperbaric oxygen treatment were initiated.

Conclusions:

• Strenuous dives, even within standard limits, can precipitate DCS.
• A high index of suspicion, accurate diving history, and prompt hyperbaric oxygen are essential for optimal DCS management.
• This case emphasizes the need for careful consideration of dive exertion levels beyond simple time and depth adherence.