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Visual manifestations of neurologic decompression sickness
1Davis Hyperbaric Medicine Laboratory, Brooks AFB, San Antonio, TX.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Visual changes like blurred vision are common in altitude decompression sickness (DCS). Early diagnosis and hyperbaric oxygen treatment are crucial for successful recovery, preventing long-term deficits.
Area of Science:
- Aerospace Medicine
- Neurology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Visual changes are frequently observed in Type II altitude-related decompression sickness (DCS).
- Specific visual symptoms associated with neurologic DCS require detailed description for improved clinical recognition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the visual symptomatology in neurologic DCS.
- To identify common visual manifestations and their frequency in DCS patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 38 neurologic DCS cases with visual changes.
- Analysis of patient records including exposure, symptoms, and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- Most cases (87%) originated from altitude chamber exposure.
- Blurred vision was the most frequent initial visual symptom (24% of cases).
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy achieved a 97% success rate in resolving symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Understanding visual changes in neurologic DCS aids early diagnosis.
- Prompt treatment can mitigate severe secondary effects and residual deficits.