What Researchers Did
Researchers reviewed 662 patient records from two UK hyperbaric units over seven years to understand inner ear decompression sickness (IEDCS).
What They Found
They identified 33 patients with IEDCS, with 80% of those tested showing a patent foramen ovale (PFO), a small hole in the heart. Both U.S. Navy Treatment Table 6 and Comex 30 protocols showed no difference in recovery speed, and IEDCS responded slowly to treatment. Nearly half (48%) of the patients had IEDCS as their only symptom.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian divers experiencing inner ear decompression sickness symptoms like dizziness or hearing loss should be aware of the strong link to patent foramen ovale. Recovery from IEDCS can be slow, regardless of the initial hyperbaric oxygen treatment protocol used. This highlights the importance of thorough evaluation for divers with such symptoms.
Canadian Relevance
This study covers decompression sickness, a Health Canada-recognized indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Study Limitations
This was a retrospective study, which relies on existing records and may have limitations due to incomplete data or patient selection.