Electroencephalography in naval divers.

EEG studies were conducted on 98 naval divers to ascertain the incidence of abnormal paroxysmal activity in them and to correlate it with their performance in diving. Nine of the 98 showed EEG abnormality in the form of a buildup of high-voltage, low-frequency activity after hyperventilation. None of them showed sporadic bursts of sharp waves from any region on intermittent photic stimulation. A 5-year follow-up did not show any association between the EEG response and the diver's professional capabilities. Nine divers were also examined after a 30-min simulated exposure at 2.5 ATA breathing air. This simulated dive had no effect on the existing EEG pattern. It has been concluded that a routine EEG examination is not useful in selection of divers.