Long Term Effect of the Bends (Decompression Illness) From Scuba Diving

by Berenice
(Waitaker, New Zealand)

Having suffered from the bends, I would like to know if there are any long term side effects, ie mental effects, spasms?

Hi Berenice,

Sorry to hear you suffered from the bends (for those who are unfamiliar with the bends, you can check out our page on the bends and decompression illness.

I will preface this by saying that I am not a doctor and can not give any medical advice. I would definitely contact a medical professional for a complete diagnosis of your condition since you seem to be concerned about your health.

In answer to your question though, yes, there can be some long term side effects of having the bends. However, it is all individual and what the long term effects are, if any, are particular to each case/person.

For instance, according to Wikipedia "Immediate first aid treatment of 100% oxygen on demand, followed by recompression at a hyperbaric chamber, will in most cases result in no long term effects. However, permanent long term injury from DCS is possible. Three month follow-up from diving accidents reported to DAN in 1987 showed 14.3% of the 268 divers surveyed "still had residual signs and symptoms from Type II DCS and 7% from Type I DCS". Long term follow-up by Desola showed similar results with 16% permanent neurological sequalae." You can check their sources cited for more detail on these studies.

There is also some good information on the bends and decompression illness available at diversalertnetwork.org and scuba-doc.com which are two websites which I trust.

Nevertheless, in your case, I would definitely discuss your concerns with a qualified medical professional.

Dianne

Click here to post comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Information on Scuba Diving.

 Want to stay down longer and improve your buoyancy control and other diving skills? Our free report "Increase Your Bottom Time" along with our practical, weekly actionable tips will have you looking like a seasoned diver in no time. So come join us and see improvement on your very next dive!
(Click on the photo to join us now!)

Click here to subscribe

What's New

RSS

  1. Unofficially Summer

    May 25, 24 07:19 AM

    Well it is finally here. Memorial Day weekend and the unofficial start of summer! Wishing everyone a happy and healthy holiday weekend. Hopefully the weather cooperates wherever you are and you will b…

    Read More

  2. Happy New Year

    Jan 01, 24 06:00 AM

    Happy New Year everyone! I hope everyone is well and had a fun New Years Eve! May your new year be filled with lots of wonderful dives. All the best to you and yours in 2024! Let the dives begin.

    Read More

  3. Happy Holidays

    Dec 14, 23 05:05 AM

    I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season! I am always amazed at how fast time flies and another year is just around the corner. I wanted to pop in and say hi to everyone. I am doing some full ti…

    Read More

  4. 3 Common Scuba Diving Mistakes New Divers Make

    Feb 23, 23 02:18 PM

    3 Common Scuba Diving Mistakes
    In this video, I share 3 common scuba diving mistakes beginner divers make. Learn how to correct these for a better - and safer - dive.

    Read More

  5. Scuba Diving Tipping Etiquette: How Much And When To Tip Scuba Crew

    Feb 06, 23 03:34 PM

    scuba diving tipping etiquette
    Not sure of scuba diving tipping etiquette? In this video I share who to tip, when to tip, how much to tip, tipping on liveaboards, tipping an instructor & more

    Read More