Neurological disorders after repetitive breath-hold diving.
We report a case of transient neurological disorder compatible with cerebral decompression illness in a breath-hold diver. A large right-to-left shunt was later detected with contrast transcranial Doppler ultrasound. While the mechanism of brain damage is unclear, this observation highlights the need for breath-hold divers to avoid excessive nitrogen loading and to refrain from forceful Valsalva maneuvers that may contribute to the opening of a patent foramen ovale and lead to paradoxical cerebral embolism. Because decompression illness is a possibility, anyone who experiences unusual symptoms after breath-hold diving should seek immediate medical attention.
Gempp
Emmanuel
E
G.P.D. Méditerranéé. gempp@voila.fr
Blatteau
Jean-Eric
JE
D000328:Adult; D002637:Chest Pain / Q000209:etiology; D003665:Decompression Sickness / Q000209:etiology; D004242:Diving / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004244:Dizziness / Q000209:etiology; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology; D004453:Echoencephalography; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005483:Flushing / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006931:Hyperbaric Oxygenation; D006987:Hypesthesia / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D012119:Respiration; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000209:etiology