Paraplegia due to decompression sickness

Abstract

Eight patients with spinal cord lesions due to decompression sickness are described. The cord lesions were in the cervical cord in four cases and in the upper dorsal cord in the other four, seven patients had incomplete lesions, one had a complete lesion, all patients were spastic. The diving details and description of the onset of paralysis are given and possible pathological processes are discussed. Prophylaxis is by adequate use of decompression stops. The most satisfactory treatment is immediate recompression. © 1977 International Medical Society of Paraplegia.