Neurological manifestation of arterial gas embolism following standard altitude chamber flight: a case report.

In the course of a decompression at flight level 280 (28,000 ft) in an altitude chamber flight, a 45-yr-old cabin air traffic controller developed sudden numbness in his left upper and lower extremities and, soon after, complete paralysis in the left side, dysarthria and left facial palsy. A presumptive diagnosis of arterial gas embolism (AGE) was made and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) was given after airevac of the patient to the closest compression facility. Complete resolution of the symptoms was obtained after treatment Table VI-A (extended), plus 3 consecutive HBO treatments (90 min of Oxygen at 2.0 ATA). AGE is a rare event in the course of regular altitude chamber flight and diagnosis should be done in the context of the barometric pressure changes and an acute cerebral vascular injury. Risk factors and follow-up diagnostic procedures are discussed.