5A-2 Change A
U.S. Navy Diving Manual—Volume 5
4.
How many dives has the patient made in the last 24 hours?
a.
Chart profile(s) of any other dive(s).
5.
Were the symptoms first noted before, during. or after the dive? If after the
dive, how long after surfacing?
6.
If during the dive, did the patient notice the symptom while descending, on the
bottom, or during ascent?
7.
Has the symptom either increased or decreased in intensity since first noticed?
8.
Have any additional symptoms developed since the first one?
9.
Has the patient ever had a similar symptom?
10. Has the patient ever suffered from decompression sickness or gas embolism in
the past?
a.
Describe this symptom in relation to the prior incident if applicable.
11. Does the patient have any concurrent medical conditions that might explain
the symptoms?
To aid in the evaluation, review the diver’s Health Record, including a baseline
neurological examination, if available, and completed Diving Chart or Diving
Log, if they are readily available.
5A-3
NEUROLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
There are various ways to perform a neurological examination. The quickest infor-
mation pertinent to the diving injury is obtained by directing the initial
examination toward the symptomatic areas of the body. These concentrate on the
motor, sensory, and coordination functions. If this examination is normal, the most
productive information is obtained by performing a complete examination of the
following:
1.
Mental status
2.
Coordination
3.
Motor
4.
Cranial nerves
5.
Sensory
6.
Deep tendon reflexes
The following procedures are adequate for preliminary examination. Figure 5A-1a
can be used to record the results of the examination.
