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Disability Classification for Scuba Diver with Neurological Decompression Sickness

Purpose: To determine the level of impairment for a scuba diver who developed neurological decompression sickness based on the study of Gempp and Blatteau.

Description

Gemp and Blatteau graded disability associated with neurological decompression sickness in scuba divers. A patient with severe decompression sickness may suffer long-term disability. The authors are from St. Anne's Military Hospital in Toulon, France.


 

Neurological complications in decompression sickness may include combinations of:

(1) sensory loss

(2) motor impairment

(3) cerebral involvement

(4) inner ear disorders (cochleovestibular)

 

Assessment:

(1) subjective complaints

(2) objective evidence of a deficit

(3) activities of daily living (ADL)

 

Subjective Complaints

Objective Deficit

Activities of Daily Living

Disability

none

none

normal

none (full recovery)

present

none

normal

minor

NA

mild to moderate

some impairment

moderate

NA

major

substantial impairment

severe

 

where:

• Persistent problems may include urinary incontinence.

 


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Specialty

Objective

ICD-10