Pulmonary Barotrauma Symptoms

[mccabejc]

I'm curious, what are the symptoms of an embolism? How long do they take to show up?

 

[Otter]

One of the medical mods will likely answer this more completely, but my recollection is we are talking 1-2 mins.

 

[mccabejc]

I'll partially answer my own question. Just found some stuff on the DAN site.

"Arterial Gas Embolism

If a diver surfaces without exhaling, air trapped in the lungs expands with ascent and may rupture lung tissue - called pulmonary barotrauma - which releases gas bubbles into the arterial circulation. This distributes them to body tissues in proportion to the blood flow. Since the brain receives the highest proportion of blood flow, it is the main target organ where bubbles may interrupt circulation if they become lodged in small arteries.

This is arterial gas embolism, or AGE, considered the more serious form of DCI. In some cases the diver may have made a panicked ascent, or he may have held his breath during ascent. However, AGE can occur even if ascent appeared completely normal, and pulmonary disease such as obstructive lung disease may increase the risk of AGE.

The most dramatic presentation of air embolism is the diver who surfaces unconscious and remains so, or the diver who loses consciousness within 10 minutes of surfacing. In these cases, a true medical emergency exists, and rapid evacuation to a treatment facility is paramount.

On the other hand, air embolism may cause less spectacular symptoms of neurological dysfunction, such as sensations of tingling or numbness, a sensation of weakness without obvious paralysis, or complaints of difficulty in thinking without obvious confusion in individuals who are awake and easily aroused. In these cases, there is time for a more thorough evaluation by a diving medical specialist to rule out other causes of symptoms.

Like DCS, mild symptoms may be ascribed to causes other than the dive, which only delays treatment. Sometimes symptoms may resolve spontaneously and the diver will not seek treatment. The consequences of this are similar to untreated DCS: residual damage to the brain may occur, making it more likely there will be residual symptoms after a future bout of AGE, even if the later bout is treated.

Symptoms of AGE

- Dizziness

- Visual blurring

- Areas of decreased sensation

- Chest pain

- Disorientation

Signs of AGE

- Bloody froth from mouth or nose

- Paralysis or weakness

- Convulsions

- Unconsciousness

- Cessation of breathing

- Death "

 

[mccabejc]

Also, I read in one of the DAN accident reports that "symptoms that develop more that 24 hours after the dive are usually unrelated to decompression illness". So it sounds like you should see DCS symptoms within the first day.

 

[pipedope]

Also, I read in one of the DAN accident reports that "symptoms that develop more that 24 hours after the dive are usually unrelated to decompression illness". So it sounds like you should see DCS symptoms within the first day.

Especially if you are looking!
This is not a joke. If you and your buddies learn the 5 minute neurological exam and do it at the begining and end of each diving day you will catch most cases of DCI. You will also have something solid to hang your hat on when you activate EMS and call DAN.

Remember, fast recognition and treatment is key to a positive recovery.

 

[pipedope]

BTW In the field it can be very difficult to tell DCI and AGE apart but we don't care, both call for the same response of activating EMS (emergency medical services, i.e. call 911) and calling DAN, to get medical (and usually chamber) treatment.

 

[MikeFerrara]

BTW In the field it can be very difficult to tell DCI and AGE apart but we don't care, both call for the same response of activating EMS (emergency medical services, i.e. call 911) and calling DAN, to get medical (and usually chamber) treatment.

And O2 first aid!

 

[pipedope]

Yep, start O2 while activating EMS and calling DAN.

I should make a handy cut and paste file on this.