Inert gas narcosis has no influence on thermo-tactile sensation

Jakovljević, Miroljub; Vidmar, Gaj; Mekjavic, Igor B.

doi:10.1007/s00421-011-2169-8

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 47 publications

(45 reference statements)

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“…The perception of pain is reduced by even modest depths [ 42 ] but, interestingly, thermal sensation does not appear to be changed by narcosis. The perception of comfort, however, is altered at depth such that a diver might feel less uncomfortable in colder conditions, thus risking hypothermia [ 43 , 44 ]. Visual impairment has been reported in some individuals [ 45 - 47 ].…”

Section: Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Moving in extreme environments: inert gas narcosis and underwater activities

Clark

2015

Extrem Physiol Med

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Exposure to the underwater environment for pleasure or work poses many challenges on the human body including thermal stress, barotraumas, decompression sickness as well as the acute effects of breathing gases under pressure. With the popularity of recreational self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) diving on the increase and deep inland dive sites becoming more accessible, it is important that we understand the effects of breathing pressurised gas at depth can have on the body. One of the common consequences of hyperbaric gas is the narcotic effect of inert gas. Nitrogen (a major component of air) under pressure can impede mental function and physical performance at depths of as little as 10 m underwater. With increased depth, symptoms can worsen to include confusion, disturbed coordination, lack of concentration, hallucinations and unconsciousness. Narcosis has been shown to contribute directly to up to 6% of deaths in divers and is likely to be indirectly associated with other diving incidents at depth. This article explores inert gas narcosis, the effect on divers’ movement and function underwater and the proposed physiological mechanisms. Also discussed are some of the factors that affect the susceptibility of divers to the condition. In conclusion, understanding the cause of this potentially debilitating problem is important to ensure that safe diving practices continue.

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Section: Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Moving in extreme environments: inert gas narcosis and underwater activities

Clark

2015

Extrem Physiol Med

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“…Finally, future work should evaluate whether the combined effects of inert-gas narcosis and mild hypothermia on cognition are sex dependent. Yet, the examination of each stressor separately suggests that sex-related differences may exist in response to cold ( 81 ) but probably not to N 2 O ( 27 , 28 , 30 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Combined effects of mild hypothermia and nitrous-oxide-induced narcosis on manual and cognitive performance

Moes,

Elia,

Gennser

et al. 2024

American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comp

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Divers are at enhanced risk of suffering from acute cognitive deteriorations, due to the low ambient temperatures, and the narcotic action of inert gases inspired at high pressures. Yet, the behavioral effects of cold and inert-gas narcosis have commonly been assessed in isolation, and during short-term provocations. We, therefore, evaluated the interactive influence of mild hypothermia and narcosis engendered by a subanaesthetic dose of nitrous oxide (N2O; a normobaric intervention analogue of hyperbaric nitrogen) on cognitive function during prolonged iterative exposure. Fourteen men partook in two ~12-h sessions (separated by ≥4 days), wherein they performed sequentially three 120-min cold (20°C) water immersions (CWIs), while inhaling, in a single-blinded manner, either normal air, or a normoxic gas mixture containing 30% N2O. CWIs were separated by 120-min rewarming in room-air breathing conditions. Prior to the first CWI and during each CWI, subjects performed a finger dexterity test, and the Spaceflight Cognitive Assessment Tool for Windows (WinSCAT) test assessing aspects of attention, memory, learning and visuo-spatial ability. Rectal and skin temperatures were, on average, reduced by ~1.2°C and ~8°C, respectively ( P<0.001). Cooling per se impaired ( P≤0.01) only short-term memory (~37%) and learning (~18%); the impairments were limited to the first CWI. N2O also attenuated ( P≤0.02) short-term memory (~37%) and learning (~35%), but the reductions occurred in all CWIs. Further, N2O invariably compromised finger dexterity, attention, concentration, working memory and spatial processing ( P<0.05). Present results demonstrate that inert-gas narcosis aggravates, in a persistent manner, basic and higher-order cognitive abilities during protracted cold exposure.

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Inert gas narcosis has no influence on thermo-tactile sensation

Cited by 2 publications

References 47 publications

Moving in extreme environments: inert gas narcosis and underwater activities

Moving in extreme environments: inert gas narcosis and underwater activities

Combined effects of mild hypothermia and nitrous-oxide-induced narcosis on manual and cognitive performance

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