What Researchers Did
Researchers reported on a 37-year-old professional diving instructor who developed back pain and weakness in his lower legs after a dive.
What They Found
The diver was diagnosed with spinal cord decompression sickness and a likely anterior spinal artery syndrome. A transthoracic echocardiography also revealed a patent foramen ovale, leading researchers to hypothesize this might have been a way for gas bubbles to block the anterior spinal artery.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian patients, this case highlights that divers experiencing neurological symptoms after a dive, particularly with a patent foramen ovale, might have a complex condition involving both decompression sickness and a spinal artery issue. Prompt and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment, which may include hyperbaric oxygen therapy for decompression sickness.
Canadian Relevance
This study covers decompression sickness, which is a Health Canada-recognised indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Study Limitations
As a case report, this study describes only one individual and its findings may not apply to all divers.