nitrogen narcosis

Etiology

• scuba diving to > 30 meters

Pathology

• compressed air containing 79% nitrogen can increase nitrogen solublity in tissues including the brain
• high partial pressure of nitrogen in the brain can cause nitrogen narcosis, an anesthetic-like effect

Clinical manifestations

• confusion, poor judgement &/or euphoria

Differential diagnosis

• bends (decompression disease)
  • end organ damage, limb pain
  • manifests upon rapid resurfacing
  • symptoms develop within 1 hour (75%, 90% within 12 hours) of surfacing

Management

• prevention: use of compressed helium-oxygen in scuba tanks

More general terms

• barotrauma