6 Interesting Facts of High pressure neurologic syndrome
- Condition associated with hyperexcitatory neurologic symptoms, which may develop at diving depths below 120 m
- Attributed to helium, which is used in breathing gases for deep diving owing to absence of narcotic effects
- As with nitrogen narcosis, diver may exhibit behavior changes and decreased mental performance; condition resolves on return to normal pressure
- Unlike with nitrogen narcosis, classic symptoms include tremors, myoclonic jerking, and somnolence
- Occurs at depths well below those at which nitrogen narcosis occurs
- Differentiated on basis of diving depth, presence of characteristic symptoms, and abnormalities on EEG after a dive or hyperbaric oxygen therapy
