What type of decompression sickness (DCS) affects the brain and/or spinal cord due to nitrogen bubbles?

What type of decompression sickness (DCS) affects the brain and/or spinal cord due to nitrogen bubbles?

• A. Barometric manifestations
• B. Neurological manifestations
• C. The chokes
• D. Skin manifestations

Answer: (B)

The type of decompression sickness that affects the brain and/or spinal cord due to nitrogen bubbles is referred to as neurological manifestations. This form of DCS occurs when nitrogen bubbles form in the nervous system, causing a range of symptoms that can include confusion, difficulty walking, twitching, and, in severe cases, paralysis or loss of consciousness. The neurological system is particularly vulnerable to the effects of nitrogen gas when divers ascend rapidly from deep water, allowing bubbles to expand and disrupt normal blood flow and neural function. For context, barometric manifestations typically describe symptoms associated with changes in pressure but do not specifically target nervous system involvement. The chokes specifically refer to a condition affecting the lungs and are characterized by respiratory symptoms, while skin manifestations involve pain or rashes in the skin tissue. These options indicate various effects of DCS but do not address the impact on the central nervous system directly, which is the key characteristic of neurological manifestations.

The type of decompression sickness that affects the brain and/or spinal cord due to nitrogen bubbles is referred to as neurological manifestations. This form of DCS occurs when nitrogen bubbles form in the nervous system, causing a range of symptoms that can include confusion, difficulty walking, twitching, and, in severe cases, paralysis or loss of consciousness. The neurological system is particularly vulnerable to the effects of nitrogen gas when divers ascend rapidly from deep water, allowing bubbles to expand and disrupt normal blood flow and neural function.

For context, barometric manifestations typically describe symptoms associated with changes in pressure but do not specifically target nervous system involvement. The chokes specifically refer to a condition affecting the lungs and are characterized by respiratory symptoms, while skin manifestations involve pain or rashes in the skin tissue. These options indicate various effects of DCS but do not address the impact on the central nervous system directly, which is the key characteristic of neurological manifestations.