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Hysteria as a Trigger for Epidemic Decompression Sickness Following Hypobaric Hypoxia Training
Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance
|October 16, 2022
Summary
An epidemic of decompression sickness (DCS) occurred after hypobaric hypoxia training (HHT). Five cases were treated successfully with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), highlighting the need to consider psychological factors in training.
Area of Science:
- Aviation Physiology
- Aeromedical Research
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Hypobaric hypoxia training (HHT) is crucial for aviation physiology.
- Decompression sickness (DCS) is a known risk associated with HHT.
- Epidemic DCS, a cluster of cases, requires thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate an epidemic DCS episode following two consecutive HHT sessions.
- To investigate potential causes of the observed DCS cluster.
- To emphasize the role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in DCS treatment.
Main Methods:
- Conducted HHT for 16 medical doctor trainees in two sessions.
- Monitored personnel for DCS development post-training.
- Investigated potential contributing factors, including psychological elements.
Main Results:
- Five cases of Type 1 DCS occurred among 18 personnel, yielding a 27.77% incidence rate.
- All DCS cases were successfully treated with HBOT.
- The cluster was identified as epidemic DCS due to its high incidence.
Conclusions:
- The HHT-associated DCS cluster highlights the importance of understanding and mitigating risks.
- Psychological factors, such as hysteria and placebo-nocebo responses, may influence DCS occurrence.
- HBOT remains the definitive treatment for DCS, regardless of the triggering factors.
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