The High Pressure Nervous Syndrome During Human Deep Saturation and Excursion Diving

Abstract

The High Pressure Nervous Syndrome (HPNS) is a condition found in deep diving in excess of 400 feet (13 ATA) whilst breathing oxygen-helium. It is characterized by tremors, an increase in theta activity (4-7 c/sec) in the electroencephalogram (EEG) accompanied by a depression of faster activities and if sufficiently severe, lapses of consciousness. In animals, convulsions occur, but to date these have not been seen in man The HPNS is a complex phenomenon comprised of effects, some of which are a function of the hydrostatic pressure. Others seem due to a complex combination of the two. This paper describes briefly some of the relevant factors responsible for the HPNS in saturation and excursion diving.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1973
Accession Number
ADA004668

Entities

People

  • A. J. Bachrach
  • P. B. Bennett

Organizations

  • Naval Medical Research Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biomedical Research
  • Cerebellar Diseases
  • Compression
  • Consciousness
  • Decompression Sickness
  • Deep Diving
  • Diving
  • Electroencephalography
  • Frequency
  • High Pressure
  • Hydrostatic Pressure
  • Measurement
  • New York
  • Physiology
  • Respiration
  • Saturation
  • Upper Extremity

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science / Meteorology, specifically Wind Wave Turbulence.
  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Underwater engineering and Marine Technology.