Neurologic Decompression Sickness

Aka: Neurologic Decompression Sickness, Neurologic DCS, Cerebral DCS, Spinal Cord DCS

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II. Pathophysiology

  1. Scuba Diving related injury

III. Symptoms: Cerebral Decompression Sickness

  1. Onset
    1. Within one hour of ascent: 50%
    2. Within 6 hours of ascent: 90%
  2. Most common symptoms of Neurologic DCS
    1. Numbness (59%)
    2. Pain (55%)
    3. Dizziness (27%)
    4. Severe Fatigue (25%)
    5. Headache (24%)
    6. Weakness (23%)
    7. Nausea (14%)
    8. Abnormal Gait (12%)
    9. Hypoesthesia (10%)
    10. Visual disturbance (8%)
      1. Vision Loss
      2. Diplopia
    11. Pruritus (5%)

IV. Symptoms: Spinal Decompression Sickness (Thoracic)

  1. Paresthesias and sensory loss in trunk and extremities
  2. Tingling or constricting Sensation around thorax
  3. Ascending leg weakness
  4. Low Back Pain
  5. Loss of bowel or Bladder control

V. Management

  1. See Decompression Sickness Management

VI. References

  1. Aharon-Peretz (1993) Arch Neurol 50:753-6 [PubMed]
  2. Clenney (1996) Am Fam Physician 53(5):1761-6 [PubMed]
  3. Dick (1985) Neurology 35:667-71 [PubMed]
  4. Jerrard (1992) Emerg Med Clin North Am 10:329-38 [PubMed]
  5. Greer (1992) Neurol Clin 10:1031-45 [PubMed]
  6. Newton (2001) Am Fam Physician 63(11): 2211-2226 [PubMed]

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