Decompression sickness presenting as optic neuropathy.

Abstract

Decompression sickness (DCS) is a systemic disorder caused by an abrupt decrease in the ambient atmospheric pressure to which an individual is exposed. A previously healthy 23-year-old male parachutist developed optic neuropathy after a series of multiple repeated hypobaric exposures; his symptoms improved promptly with recompression and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. We believe this to be the first reported case of DCS presenting as optic neuropathy.

• Authors: F K Butler
• Journal: Aviation, space, and environmental medicine (Aviat Space Environ Med) Vol. 62 Issue 4 Pg. 346-50 (Apr 1991) ISSN: 0095-6562 [Print] United States
• PMID: 2031639 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Decompression
• Decompression Sickness (complications, therapy)
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Humans
• Hyperbaric Oxygenation
• Male
• Optic Nerve Diseases (diagnosis, etiology, physiopathology)
• Visual Fields