Paraplegia Following Decompression Sickness (Caisson Disease): A Journey to Near-Complete Recovery
5 affiliations
- 1Internal Medicine, Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman, ARE
- 2Physiotherapy, Thumbay Group (United Arab Emirates), Ajman, ARE
- 3General Practice, Thumbay Group (United Arab Emirates), Dubai, ARE
- 4Medicine and Surgery, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, ARE
- 5General Practice, Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman, ARE
Abstract
Decompression sickness (DCS), also known as “Caisson disease,” is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by the formation of inert gas bubbles during rapid decompression, most commonly affecting deep-sea divers. Neurological involvement, particularly spinal cord injury leading to paraplegia, represents one of the most severe manifestations. We report the case of a 44-year-old Filipino male professional diver who developed acute paraplegia following a routine dive. Despite adherence to decompression protocols, he experienced sudden-onset bilateral lower limb weakness during ascent. Initial management included oxygen therapy followed by hyperbaric oxygen therapy, after which he was referred for intensive multidisciplinary rehabilitation within a few days. At presentation, the patient exhibited significant motor weakness with Medical Research Council grading of 2/5 in the left lower limb and 3/5 in the right lower limb, sensory loss below the T8 level, impaired bladder and bowel control, and complete dependence for mobility. Over a period of approximately three months of structured physiotherapy, including conventional therapy, robotic-assisted rehabilitation, neuromuscular stimulation, and gait training, he demonstrated remarkable functional recovery. Muscle strength improved to 4/5, with restoration of independent ambulation, improved sensory function, and regained bladder control. This case highlights the importance of early recognition, prompt hyperbaric therapy, and intensive rehabilitation in achieving near-complete recovery following severe neurological DCS.
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BibTeX
@article{michel2026paraplegia,
title = {{Paraplegia Following Decompression Sickness (Caisson Disease): A Journey to Near-Complete Recovery}},
author = {Lisha Michel M and Kiran Kumar and Sharmila Banu Eashak Ali and Rozhina Ghanbari and Rifa Khan and Khadeeja Mahjoor},
journal = {Cureus},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.7759/cureus.117461},
url = {https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.117461},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Paraplegia Following Decompression Sickness (Caisson Disease): A Journey to Near-Complete Recovery
AU - Lisha Michel M
AU - Kiran Kumar
AU - Sharmila Banu Eashak Ali
AU - Rozhina Ghanbari
AU - Rifa Khan
AU - Khadeeja Mahjoor
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/05
JO - Cureus
DO - 10.7759/cureus.117461
UR - https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.117461
AB - Decompression sickness (DCS), also known as “Caisson disease,” is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by the formation of inert gas bubbles during rapid decompression, most commonly affecting deep-sea divers. Neurological involvement, particularly spinal cord injury leading to paraplegia, represents one of the most severe manifestations. We report the case of a 44-year-old Filipino male professional diver who developed acute paraplegia following a routine dive. Despite adherence to decompression protocols, he experienced sudden-onset bilateral lower limb weakness during ascent. Initial management included oxygen therapy followed by hyperbaric oxygen therapy, after which he was referred for intensive multidisciplinary rehabilitation within a few days. At presentation, the patient exhibited significant motor weakness with Medical Research Council grading of 2/5 in the left lower limb and 3/5 in the right lower limb, sensory loss below the T8 level, impaired bladder and bowel control, and complete dependence for mobility. Over a period of approximately three months of structured physiotherapy, including conventional therapy, robotic-assisted rehabilitation, neuromuscular stimulation, and gait training, he demonstrated remarkable functional recovery. Muscle strength improved to 4/5, with restoration of independent ambulation, improved sensory function, and regained bladder control. This case highlights the importance of early recognition, prompt hyperbaric therapy, and intensive rehabilitation in achieving near-complete recovery following severe neurological DCS.
SN - 2168-8184
ER -