A Curious Question

[waegook]

Hello,

Recently I was talking with a friend of mine who is a PADI OWSI. He continued to tell me about something that has just started to occur to him. Over the last few weeks almost everytime he decends deeper than 21M his body reacts by elevated heart rate, dizziness and blurred vison as well as a loss of coordination. He has been diving for years and this has just developed. At first we thought it could be narcosis but why the sudden onset? If anyone has any experience with this it would be appreciated. My friend refuses to see a doctor as he doesn't think it's serious. I , however, am concerned and would like to see him go get checked.

Thanks alot

 

[knotical]

Your instinct to have him checked by a doctor is appropriate.
The symptoms you describe are not typical in narcosis. Significant narcosis at only 20m, especially in an experienced diver, is unusual.
Since the symptoms are recent, has anything else changed that might be relevant? Change in drug regimen? Disease? Injury?

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi waegook,

The fact that the symptoms reportedly commence around a rather specific depth (e.g., ~21m) is suggestive of nitrogen narcosis. However, in an experienced, healthy diver this is rather shallow for narcosis to be a regular event.

Moreover, the symptom pattern really is not consistent with narcosis. Elevated heart rate is not a usual complaint unless it is associated with anxiety or other dysphoric condition. Alteration of mood and behavior are very common with narcosis proper, yet no mention is made of any psychiatric changes.

In any event, making that diagnosis is pretty simple -- going deeper should make the symptoms worse and a modest ascent from the depth of onset should lead to prompt resolution. If not, then narcosis almost certainly is not the cause.

The constellation of signs/symptoms described could be indicative of serious disease. The diver with such complaints should stop diving immediately and seek appropriate medical evaluation and treatment.

Helpful?

DocVikingo

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

 

[Dr Deco]

Hello waegook:

I am wondering if there is not a problem with his dive gear. Pressure is increasing with depth and possible compressing something – a neck seal possibly. The symptoms are reminiscent of blood flow reduction to the brain that is reversible.

Your logon name ["waegook"] suggests that you are from South Korea where the water can be cold at times. Maybe your friend has a wetsuit problem.

Dr Deco :doctor: