Nitrogen narcosis
Lafère, P.; Lavoute, C.; Hemelryck, W. (2017). Nitrogen narcosis, in: Balestra, C. et al. The science of diving. Things your instructor never told you. pp. [196-213] In: Balestra, C.; Germonpré, P. (2017). The science of diving. Things your instructor never told you. Lambert Academic Publishing/Éditions Acrodacrolivres: Villers-la-Ville. ISBN 978-2-512007-36-4. [262] pp., more |
| Authors | | Top | - Lafère, P., more
- Lavoute, C.
- Hemelryck, W., more
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| Abstract | When they must describe inert gas narcosis, divers sometimes refer to the “Martini Law” which states that for every 10 or 15 meters of depth, a diver experiences the narcotic effect of drinking one martini (on an empty stomach). The similarity between nitrogen narcosis and the feeling of pleasant drunkenness is generally recognized and, as with alcohol, the effects can differ from one diver to another depending on fitness and mental status. However, this syndrome can be a serious matter. In order to operate effectively while underwater, a diver must master a large set of different skills dependant on manual dexterity, short-term and long-term memory, and motor coordination etc. These skills are essential to the diver’s safety in situations where precise and accurate judgement or actions are needed, either in recreational or professional (industrial, military) diving. Divers should also be aware that they are more likely to experience a narcotic event than a decompression sickness (DCS). Indeed, according to the survey by psychiatrist David F. Colvard (www.divepsych.com), 20% of male and 18 % of female divers admit to suffering from signs or symptoms of nitrogen narcosis (dizziness, euphoria, excitement, laughter, poor coordination, slowing of thought, poor judgement or careless attitude). Despite the issues raised by this observation, underlying mechanisms of inert gas narcosis (IGN) are less understood than those of DCS. |
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