What Researchers Did
Clinicians reported a case of arterial gas embolism (AGE) causing neurological injury and bilateral pneumothorax in a 20-year-old breath-hold diver, documenting the treatment approach and recovery.
What They Found
The diver developed hemiparesis, reduced visual acuity, subcutaneous emphysema, and bilateral pneumothoraces after breath-hold diving. After pneumothorax management, HBOT combined with medication led to complete neurological resolution within one week.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Arterial gas embolism is an OHIP-covered emergency in Ontario and a recognized indication for urgent HBOT across Canada. Breath-hold divers (freedivers, spearfishers) face the same barotrauma risks as scuba divers and should understand that any neurological symptoms after a dive require immediate emergency assessment.
Canadian Relevance
Arterial gas embolism is an OHIP-covered indication for HBOT in Ontario. Canadian divers experiencing neurological symptoms after any diving activity should call 911 immediately.
Study Limitations
This is a single case report; outcomes in individual cases cannot be generalized to predict results in other patients with AGE.