Nitrogen narcosis: Difference between revisions
(Created page with "==Background== *A reversible alteration in consciousness that occurs while diving at depth *Caused by the anesthetic effect of nitrogen at high pressure *Does not usually beco...") |
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==Clinical Features== | ==Clinical Features== | ||
*Produces a state similar alcohol intoxication (or nitrous oxide inhalation), only while at depth | *Produces a state similar alcohol intoxication (or nitrous oxide inhalation), only while at depth | ||
*Completely reversed in a few minutes by ascending to a shallower depth, with no long-term effect | |||
==Differential Diagnosis== | ==Differential Diagnosis== | ||
Revision as of 00:03, 11 March 2015
Background
- A reversible alteration in consciousness that occurs while diving at depth
- Caused by the anesthetic effect of nitrogen at high pressure
- Does not usually become noticeable at depths less than 30 meters (100 ft), unless breathing non-standard air mixtures
- May cause scuba diving accidents at depth or in a hyperbaric chamber, but stops once the patient is at normal pressure
Clinical Features
- Produces a state similar alcohol intoxication (or nitrous oxide inhalation), only while at depth
- Completely reversed in a few minutes by ascending to a shallower depth, with no long-term effect
Differential Diagnosis
Workup
- Clinical diagnosis
Management
- Ascent