Abstract

With the recent increase in the number of scuba divers, there has come a concomitant increase in the cases of decompression sickness. About 24 of these cases have some neurological consequence involving the spinal cord and the potential to render a victim permanently paraplegic. The initial symptoms may be obvious or insidious and progressive. Victims have presented themselves to a physician days later complaining only of low back pain. If not suspected, the diagnosis may be overlooked and a victim may become permanently paraplegic. Twenty-five cases of spinal injuries resulting from decompression illness over a 5-year period treated at the University of Southern California Catalina Marine Science Center are reviewed. Emergency treatment was required and consisted of recompression and O2 therapy under pressure in a hyperbaric chamber to immediately prevent the progression of the illness and lead to a reversal of pathology in the majority of cases. It is recommended that hyperbaric treatment be initiated early to best prevent progression of the disease, however, late treatment is helpful, even after 10 days. Verf.-Referat