Corticosteroids in treatment of serious decompression sickness

Although high-dose corticosteroids have been widely recommended as an adjunctive measure in the treatment of serious decompression sickness, there are few objective data to support their efficacy in this disease. An unusual case of neurological decompression sickness which seemed to demonstrate a therapeutic response to steroids independent of recompression is presented. The various manifestations of decompression sickness and the effectiveness of delayed treatment are discussed.