Long-term neurological sequelae after decompression sickness in retired professional divers

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Diving Medicine
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Decompression sickness (DCS) traditionally classified into Type I (joints, skin) and Type II (nervous system).
• Investigating neurological DCS requires understanding its distinct presentation and long-term effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if divers with neurological DCS exhibit unique symptoms and clinical signs compared to other DCS types or no DCS history.
• To assess neurological and neurophysiological differences in divers with a history of neurological DCS.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 208 Norwegian offshore divers underwent clinical neurological and neurophysiological examinations (P300).
• Data collected via questionnaires on diving experience, health complaints, and registered DCS episodes.
• Participants were categorized based on DCS history: neurological DCS, other DCS, or no DCS.

Main Results:

• 78.4% of divers reported DCS episodes; 19.7% reported neurological DCS.
• Divers with neurological DCS showed significantly more neurological deficits in motility, sensory, and coordination tests.
• P300 motor reaction times were longer in divers with DCS, but not significantly different between neurological and other DCS types.

Conclusions:

• DCS is linked to persistent neurological effects, irrespective of acute symptom presentation.
• Neurological DCS is associated with specific long-term neurological findings in divers.