What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a retrospective review of divers treated for inner ear decompression sickness (IEDCS) at Fiona Stanley Hospital Hyperbaric Medicine Unit in Western Australia from 2014 to 2020 to examine epidemiology, risk factors, treatment, and outcomes.
What They Found
Out of 23 IEDCS patients (24 cases), 88% experienced vestibular manifestations and 38% cochlear, with a median time from surfacing to hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) of 22 hours. Vestibulocochlear symptoms fully resolved in 67% and complete symptom recovery was achieved in 58%. A patent foramen ovale (PFO) was found in 6 of 10 patients who underwent investigation.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian divers experiencing inner ear symptoms within 24 hours of surfacing should seek prompt medical evaluation, as hyperbaric oxygen treatment can lead to significant recovery. Awareness of risk factors like patent foramen ovale (PFO) may also be important for prevention and early diagnosis.
Canadian Relevance
This study was conducted in Western Australia and has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
As a retrospective review, this study is limited by its small sample size and potential for selection bias or incomplete data.