A case of bilateral ophthalmoplegia while diving
Lee, B.C.; Young, C.R.
Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine Journal of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society Inc 42(4): 369-373
2015
ISSN/ISBN: 1066-2936 PMID: 26403021 Document Number: 681533
This case report presents a military diver who became dysphoric and lost consciousness during a routine surface-supplied dive. The patient regained consciousness spontaneously, but the physical exam was notable for bilateral ophthalmoplegia. Full eye movement was regained during hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy, and the patient subsequently made a full recovery. Equipment and dive profile analysis led to the conclusion of hypercapnia and arterial gas embolism as the probable causes of the diver's symptoms. This is a unique case of isolated bilateral ophthalmoplegia presenting in a diving injury.