Barometric changes in patients with intracranial lesions: can they dive and fly?
BACKGROUND
People who harbor a neurosurgical lesion or who have just been operated on raise doubts to their physician about the possible risks related to transcontinental flights or practicing some sports (eg, diving, climbing) characterized by sudden barometric changes.


METHODS
A young male patient harboring a high-grade cerebral glioma presented the first symptoms after a diving expedition and subsequent transatlantic flight.


CONCLUSIONS
This case hinted the authors to review the literature on this controversial topic where there is lack of scientific evidence, trying to define the possible risks and making a general recommendation.
Perin
Alessandro
A
Neurosurgical Unit, Treviso Hospital-University of Padova, 31100 Treviso, Italy. alessandro.perin@unipd.it
Larosa
Francesco
F
Longatti
Pierluigi
P
D000328:Adult; D001274:Atmospheric Pressure; D001359:Aviation; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D004242:Diving; D005910:Glioma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors