What Researchers Did
This comprehensive review synthesized 85 records to analyze 244+ cases of decompression sickness in breath-hold diving over 75 years.
What They Found
The review found 244+ cases of decompression sickness (DCS) in breath-hold divers over 75 years, often presenting with cerebral symptoms mimicking stroke. Key risk factors include inadequate surface intervals, deep dives exceeding 40 m, rapid ascent rates, and individual physiological factors like patent foramen ovale, with DCS remaining underrecognized despite an estimated one million global participants.
Canadian Relevance
This review does not specifically address Canadian populations or healthcare contexts.
Study Limitations
As a review of existing records, this study is limited by the potential for underrecognition and underreporting of breath-hold diving decompression sickness cases.