Progressive ulnar palsy as a late complication of decompression sickness

We report an unusual case of decompression sickness in which a progressive ulnar palsy developed 22 days after the onset of neurological decompression sickness. The initial symptoms of numbness and paresthesias of the hand were treated with recompression therapy, resulting in only partial relief. The patient subsequently developed weakness of the left hand, which increased in severity until the institution of repeated daily hyperbaric oxygen treatments. A total of seven treatments resulted in partial resolution of the patient's signs and symptoms. Recovery was complete within four months.