J Korean Neurol Assoc.  1989 Dec;7(2):229-236.

Neurological Presentation of Decompression Sickness Among Koran Civilian Divers

• Han SH
• Yoon BW
• Roh JK
• Cho SH
• Yoon DR

Abstract

We retrospectively evaluated 47 patients with decompression sickness (DCS) seen at the Kang Nam General Hospital between January 1987 and June 1989 to describe the characteristcs of neurological manifestations. In 25 patients (53.2%) girdle paresthesia or bandlike tightness was noted just before the onset of neurological symptoms or signs. Progressive limb weakness, urinary retention, alterations in mentality, severe paresthesia were main presenting features in order of decreasing frequency. In the spinal from of DCS lower thoracic segment was most commonly involved. On the contrary to the previous pathological reports posterior columns were relatively spared in view of clinical points. Of 7 patients tested with Somatosensory Evoked Potetial (SSEP), five showed abnormal fidings. Myoclonic jerks of lower limb were the most common late sequelae.

MeSH Terms

Decompression Sickness*
Decompression*
Extremities
Hospitals, General
Humans
Lower Extremity
Myoclonus
Neurologic Manifestations
Paresthesia
Retrospective Studies
Urinary Retention