Retrospective Study Aviation, space, and environmental medicine 2005

Headache and altitude decompression sickness: joint pain or neurological pain?

Bryce LM, Butler WP, Pilmanis AA, King H — Aviation, space, and environmental medicine, 2005

View Original on PubMed PMID 16313145

Tier 2, Indexed

Automatically imported from PubMed based on relevance criteria.

Summary

What Researchers Did

Researchers retrospectively analyzed 729 records of decompression sickness (DCS) treatment, specifically examining 70 cases of altitude DCS with headache to determine if some headaches could be reclassified as joint pain.

What They Found

Out of 70 cases of altitude decompression sickness (DCS) with headache, 23% (16 cases) met the criteria for potential reclassification as joint pain. These cases were characterized by headache localized at a suture, a normal neurological exam, and resolution within 30 minutes of hyperbaric oxygen treatment.

Canadian Relevance

This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was conducted using records from a laboratory in Texas, USA.

Study Limitations

A key limitation is the retrospective nature of the study, which relies on existing records and specific criteria for potential reclassification rather than prospective observation.

This plain-language summary is generated with AI assistance and checked against the source abstract before publication. See our editorial policy.

Was this summary helpful?

Study Details

Study Type	Retrospective Study
Category	Neurological
Source	Pubmed
PubMed ID	16313145
Year Published	2005
Journal	Aviation, space, and environmental medicine
MeSH Terms	Adult; Aerospace Medicine; Arthralgia; Cranial Sutures; Decompression Sickness; Female; Headache; Humans; Neuralgia; Retrospective Studies

Related Research

PLoS ONE | 2013 RCT

Hyperbaric oxygen induces late neuroplasticity in post stroke patients--randomized, prospective trial.

Efrati S, Fishlev G, Bechor Y, et al.

J Neurotrauma | 2018 Systematic Review

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of acute severe traumatic brain injury: a systematic review

Daly S, Thorpe M, Rockswold S, et al.

J Neurotrauma | 2012 Pilot Study

A phase I study of low-pressure hyperbaric oxygen therapy for blast-induced post-concussion syndrome and PTSD

Harch PG, Andrews SR, Fogarty EF, et al.

Scientific Reports | 2022 RCT

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves neurocognitive functions and symptoms of post-COVID condition: randomized controlled trial.

Hadanny A, Zilberman-Itskovich S, Catalogna M, et al.

PLoS ONE | 2013 RCT

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can improve post concussion syndrome years after mild traumatic brain injury — randomized prospective trial

Boussi-Gross R, Golan H, Fishlev G, et al.

See all Neurological research

View on PubMed Back to Research Library

Discuss with a qualified healthcare professional. Then: Review Coverage Guide View Recognised Conditions

Disclaimer: This study summary is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. The information presented reflects the findings of the original research authors and may not represent the views of Canada Hyperbarics. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making treatment decisions.

Last reviewed: April 2, 2026 | Reviewed by: Canada Hyperbarics Editorial Team | Editorial process | Research sources | Counts & methodology