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.
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.