Decompression sickness- serious (Type II )

When the Central Nervous System (CNS) and/or spinal cord are damaged, the situation is critical and requires urgent treatment. In severe cases (e.g. uncontrolled surfacing, loss of consciousness, or life threatening symptoms) immediate recompression is essential. A short delay can be allowed for the surface examination of the injured diver by diving medical personnel, preferably a hyperbaric doctor level II.

The examination may be completed in the chamber at treatment pressure; however, at greater depths, this will prove difficult because of the noise, heat, and narcosis. Since the treatment for severe, Type II DCS is designed to deal with “worst case scenarios”, any other related symptom will be appropriately treated at the same time.

The symptoms of serious DCS, in order of occurence, include:

• a. Numbness;
• b. Dizziness or vertigo;
• c. Nausea or vomiting; 
• d. Vision problems;
• e. Paralysis;
• f. Headache (severe); 
• g. Loss of consciousness; 
• h. Urinary problems;
• i. Shortness of breath; 
• j. Personality change;
• k. Agitation or restlesness; 
• l. Fatigue; 
• m. Muscular twitching;
• n. Confusion;
• o. Lack of coordination;and
• p. Balance problems.

Many of these symptoms are easily overlooked, or considered by the victim as being of no consequence. For this reason, their apparition must be closely monitored during the immediate post-dive activities of the diver, who may just think he/she has been working too hard. The symptoms mentioned above are all categorized as signs of Type II severe DCS. If you have any doubts on your condition, contact the Centre de médecine de plongée du Québec.