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Decompression sickness presenting as forearm swelling and peripheral neuropathy: a case report
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|July 29, 1998
Summary
Neurological symptoms after diving may not always stem from central nervous system (CNS) decompression sickness (DCS). This case suggests peripheral nerve injury and neuropathy exacerbation can mimic CNS DCS symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Diving Medicine
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Decompression sickness (DCS) neurological symptoms are typically attributed to central nervous system (CNS) involvement.
- Understanding the precise etiology of neurological symptoms in DCS is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Observation:
- A case of DCS presented with neurological symptoms.
- Clinical findings, MRI, and electroneuromyography suggested muscle injury and peripheral neuropathy exacerbation.
Findings:
- The observed neurological symptoms were more consistent with peripheral nerve damage than CNS DCS.
- This challenges the conventional understanding of DCS pathophysiology.
Implications:
- Some neurological symptoms in DCS may originate from peripheral nerve effects, not solely the CNS.
- This necessitates a broader differential diagnosis for neurological presentations following decompression.