Hyperbaric Decompression Sickness

Hyperbaric Decompression Sickness | Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy | Hyperbaric Research

Decompression sickness (DCS) is the result of inadequate decompression following exposure to increased pressure. During a dive, the diver’s body tissues absorb nitrogen from the breathing gas in proportion to the surrounding pressure. If the diver ascends to quickly, the nitrogen may come out of solution and form bubbles in the body’s fluids and tissues.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have categorized DCS by the area involved.

• Limb Bends
• Central Nervous System (CNS) DCS
• Cerebral DCS
• Pulmonary DCS “Chokes”
• Skin Bends
• Inner-Ear DCS “Staggers”

Contact:
Dave Moyers
918.828.4076
moyersd@okstate.edu

Center for Aerospace and Hyperbaric Medicine
OSU Center for Health Sciences
801 E. 91st Street, A155-Riverside
Tulsa, OK 74132
918.828.4288