Mononeuropathy of the medial branch of the deep peroneal nerve in a scuba diver.

Abstract

Peripheral mononeuropathies occur only rarely in association with decompression illness. The sites previously reported to be affected are areas of potential entrapment in which a peripheral nerve traverses a confined area. In these instances, the pathophysiology has been presumed to be mechanical pressure in an enclosed space by a gas bubble. A rare case is now presented of a peripheral mononeuropathy of the medial branch of the deep peroneal nerve in a scuba diver following surfacing from a 195 foot dive. This case differs from prior reports of mononeuropathy in association with decompression illness in that the affected nerve does not traverse a confined site in which mechanical compression by a gas bubble is likely. The mechanism of injury is hypothesized to be a manifestation of decompression illness with a gas bubble causing blood flow obstruction and an ischemic infarct.

• Authors: H W Sander
• Journal: Journal of the peripheral nervous system : JPNS (J Peripher Nerv Syst) Vol. 4 Issue 2 Pg. 134-7 ( 1999) ISSN: 1085-9489 [Print] United States
• PMID: 10442689 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Gases
• Nitrogen

Topics

• Adult
• Athletic Injuries (physiopathology)
• Diving (adverse effects)
• Female
• Gases
• Humans
• Inert Gas Narcosis (etiology)
• Nitrogen
• Peripheral Nervous System Diseases (etiology, physiopathology)
• Peroneal Nerve (physiopathology)
• Toes (innervation)