Decompression sickness type II | Diving Disease

Decompression sickness type II

In DCS II, the brain, spinal cord and inner ear are affected. Here, it is not so much the direct formation of gas bubbles in the tissue itself that causes the damage, but rather the gas embolisms that lead to blockages in the small vessels. The damage to the brain can cause very different symptoms depending on where the occlusion occurs.

It can lead to clouding of consciousness up to unconsciousness with respiratory paralysis. It can lead to paralysis of the arms or legs or even to complete hemiplegia. In the case of the spinal cord, there is paralysis on both sides, sensory disturbances or urinary and rectal disorders.

The occlusions in the spinal cord occur somewhat later than those in the brain. The symptoms can also worsen over time (initially only a sensation in the big toe, up to paralysis). If embolisms disturb the blood flow in the inner ear, nausea with vomiting, dizziness and ringing in the ears may occur.

Decompression sickness type III

Long-term damage is classified under DCS III. Recognized occupational diseases of divers include aseptic bone necrosis (AON, a tissue loss of bone not caused by infection), hearing loss, retinal damage and neurological deficits following untreated DCS II. Excessive pressure causes air sacs to rupture and the air to connect to the blood vessel, causing air sacs to form in the blood vessels and clog the arteries, similar to a thrombus. The symptoms are similar to DCS II. In addition, a heart attack can occur here, due to blockage of the coronary arteries.

Prevention and risk factors

During each dive the appropriate ascent speed and decompression rules must be followed. This minimizes the risk of decompression sickness. However, certain risk factors can still lead to a decompression sickness despite observing the decompression rules. People who have the following risk factors are particularly at risk. High age Infection of the upper airways High blood pressure (hypertension) Fever Diabetes People who are almost dehydrated (dehydrated) due to insufficient fluid intake or excessive fluid loss (severe diarrhoea) Alcohol Heavy smokers Overweight Stress Fatigue Muscle ache

  • High age
  • Infection of the upper airways
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Fever
  • Diabetes
  • People who are almost dehydrated (dehydrated) due to too little fluid intake or too much fluid loss (severe diarrhea)
  • Alcohol
  • Heavy smokers
  • Overweight
  • Stress
  • Tiredness
  • Sore muscles