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01-01-2019 | Original Article

Inert gas narcosis in scuba diving, different gases different reactions

Authors: Monica Rocco, P. Pelaia, P. Di Benedetto, G. Conte, L. Maggi, S. Fiorelli, M. Mercieri, C. Balestra, R. A. De Blasi, ROAD Project Investigators

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Purpose

Underwater divers face several potential neurological hazards when breathing compressed gas mixtures including nitrogen narcosis which can impact diver’s safety. Various human studies have clearly demonstrated brain impairment due to nitrogen narcosis in divers at 4 ATA using critical flicker fusion frequency (CFFF) as a cortical performance indicator. However, recently some authors have proposed a probable adaptive phenomenon during repetitive exposure to high nitrogen pressure in rats, where they found a reversal effect on dopamine release.

Methods

Sixty experienced divers breathing Air, Trimix or Heliox, were studied during an open water dive to a depth of 6 ATA with a square profile testing CFFF measurement before (T₀), during the dive upon arriving at the bottom (6 ATA) (T₁), 20 min of bottom time (T₂), and at 5 m (1.5 ATA) (T₃).

Results

CFFF results showed a slight increase in alertness and arousal during the deep dive regardless of the gas mixture breathed. The percent change in CFFF values at T₁ and T₂ differed among the three groups being lower in the air group than in the other groups. All CFFF values returned to basal values 5 min before the final ascent at 5 m (T₃), but the Trimix measurements were still slightly better than those at T₀.

Conclusions

Our results highlight that nitrogen and oxygen alone and in combination can produce neuronal excitability or depression in a dose-related response.

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Title: Inert gas narcosis in scuba diving, different gases different reactions
Authors: Monica Rocco
P. Pelaia
P. Di Benedetto
G. Conte
L. Maggi
S. Fiorelli
M. Mercieri
C. Balestra
R. A. De Blasi
ROAD Project Investigators
Publication date: 01-01-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 1/2019
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-018-4020-y

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

Inert gas narcosis in scuba diving, different gases different reactions

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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