[Neurological decompression sickness]

Abstract

We have examined 34 divers, mean age 30 years, after treatment for neurological decompression sickness. The initial symptoms often indicated mild sensory or motor involvement. After recompression treatment five of 19 divers with primary affection of the brain had slight hemiparesis or dysphasia. Nine of 14 divers with primary affection of the spinal cord showed signs of spinal cord dysfunction following treatment. Only 16 divers were recompressed within six hours after start of the neurological symptoms. It is concluded that neurological decompression sickness is a serious disorder with a high rate of residual findings. The condition should be treated with prompt recompression, administration of oxygen, and intravenous fluid.