Nitrogen narcosis

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

Disposition

See Also

External Links

Sources