Nitrogen Narcosis

Q; What is Nitrogen narcosis?

Answer: Nitrogen Narcosis affects scuba divers and is also called 'rapture of the deep.' As we all know, air comprises 79% of Nitrogen. At the surface pressures, it has no sedating effect. At greater depths, however, nitrogen affects the brain in precisely the same way as nitrous oxide (laughing gas). The effect (the onset and disappearance) are instantaneous. A diver may be quite clear-headed at 20 meters, and yet "silly" at 30 meters. Ascending to 20 meters will almost instantly clear the head. Divers suffering nitrogen narcosis may put themselves at risk by doing life threatening things such as taking off their masks and dance!

#neurology

References:

1. Grover CA, Grover DH. Albert Behnke: nitrogen narcosis. J Emerg Med. 2014 Feb;46(2):225-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2013.08.080. Epub 2013 Nov 19. PMID: 24262058.

2. Kirkland PJ, Mathew D, Modi P, Cooper JS. Nitrogen Narcosis In Diving. 2023 Jul 31. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan–. PMID: 29261931.