What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a review of the literature on lidocaine's use in treating decompression illness.
What They Found
The review found that lidocaine is neuroprotective in cerebral arterial gas embolism (CAGE) and various models of ischemic brain injury. One randomized double-blind study showed improved neuropsychological outcomes in cardiac surgery patients receiving lidocaine, though clinical evidence for decompression illness (DCI) is limited to anecdotal reports.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients experiencing unequivocal cerebral arterial gas embolism (CAGE) may benefit from expeditious lidocaine administration. For severe neurologic decompression illness (DCI), its speculative use might be considered after thorough patient counseling and consent.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The clinical evidence for lidocaine's efficacy in decompression illness is primarily limited to anecdotal reports and limited in vivo investigation.