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Case Report Aviat Space Environ Med 1996

Oxy-helium treatment for refractory neurological decompression sickness: a case report

Goldenberg I, Shupak A, Shoshani O — Aviat Space Environ Med, 1996

Tier 2, Indexed

Automatically imported from PubMed based on relevance criteria.

Summary

What Researchers Did

Researchers described the case of a 49-year-old male diver who developed severe neurological symptoms after a dive.

What They Found

The patient experienced paraparesis and urinary incontinence 10 minutes after surfacing. Initial treatment with an extended USN table 6 did not resolve symptoms. However, treatment with oxy-helium table CX-30 24 hours later led to marked improvement in gait, sensory, and motor function. An additional 10 hyperbaric oxygenation sessions resulted in complete restoration of urinary control and virtually complete sensory and motor recovery.

Canadian Relevance

This study covers decompression sickness, which is a Health Canada-recognised indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Study Limitations

As a single case report, this study's findings cannot be generalized to a larger patient population.

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Study Details

Study Type Case Report
Category Neurological
Source Pubmed
PubMed ID 8929204
Year Published 1996
Journal Aviat Space Environ Med
MeSH Terms Ataxia; Decompression Sickness; Diving; Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory; Helium; Humans; Hyperbaric Oxygenation; Male; Middle Aged; Paresis; Urinary Incontinence; Urodynamics

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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 17, 2026 | Reviewed by: Canada Hyperbarics Editorial Team | Editorial process | Research sources | Counts & methodology