Inner ear decompression sickness and mal de debarquement.
OBJECTIVE
To present a case series of vestibular symptoms appearing after combined sailing and diving activity, and to discuss the differential diagnosis and the workup algorithm.


METHODS
Case series.


METHODS
Tertiary referral center.


METHODS
Three patients aged 25 to 31 years suffering from unsteadiness and movement sensations after sailing and scuba diving.


METHODS
Neurotologic evaluation and recompression therapy in a hyperbaric chamber.


METHODS
The increasing popularity of marine sports and leisure activities has resulted in the exposure of a growing number of people to unique abnormalities not encountered under terrestrial conditions. The otolaryngologist who is involved in the care of these patients is required to diagnose and treat diving-related sinus and ear injuries such as barotrauma and decompression sickness, and also to be familiar with sailing-related disorientation syndromes such as seasickness and mal de debarquement. Treatment modalities for the various abnormalities differ significantly, and early commencement of treatment is often crucial for a successful outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
Whenever doubt exists, recompression treatment must be instituted as soon as possible because of the potential for severe sequelae if the patient is left untreated, and because the risks involved in this therapy are minimal.
Tal
Dror
D
Motion Sickness and Human Performance Laboratory, Israel Naval Medical Institute, IDF Medical Corps, Haifa, Israel.
Domachevsky
Liran
L
Bar
Ronen
R
Adir
Yochai
Y
Shupak
Avi
A
D000328:Adult; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D003665:Decompression Sickness / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D004242:Diving / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007758:Ear, Inner; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006931:Hyperbaric Oxygenation; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; D012008:Recurrence; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D012307:Risk Factors; D012767:Ships; D014717:Vertigo / Q000209:etiology*