title: Case history of serious altitude decompression sickness following rapid rate of ascent.
abstract: Neurologic and respiratory decompression sickness (DCS) symptoms occurring in the same individual represent complications rarely observed in altitude research. A case is presented of multi-symptom serious DCS resulting from exposure to 12,192 m (40,000 ft). Following 90 min of preoxygenation, the patient was decompressed in a hypobaric chamber from ground level to 12,192 m in 30 s. After 69 min at altitude he developed substernal chest pressure and the flight was immediately terminated. During the chamber descent the patient appeared disoriented. By 5486 m (18,000 ft) his chest pressure had resolved. The post-flight medical exam revealed multiple neurological abnormalities. He underwent a Table VI hyperbaric oxygen treatment with complete resolution of all abnormal neurological findings.
authors.affiliation: Air Force Research Laboratory, Biodynamics and Protection Division, AFRL/HEPR, High Altitude, Protection Research Brooks City-Base, San Antonio, TX 78235, USA. john.gibbons@brooks.af.mil
authors.forename: John A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Gibbons
authors.forename: Carol S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Ramsey
authors.forename: James K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: Andrew A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Pilmanis
mesh_terms: D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D000531:Altitude; D000532:Altitude Sickness; D003665:Decompression Sickness; D006801:Humans; D013997:Time Factors