Paresthesia in DCS is characterized by which sensations on the skin?

Paresthesia in DCS is characterized by which sensations on the skin?

• A. N2 bubbles forming along nerve tracts leading to the affected areas
• B. Visual disturbances
• C. Tingling and itching sensations on the surface of the skin
• D. Deep joint pain

Answer: (C)

Paresthesia is a sensory skin change—in DCS it presents as abnormal skin sensations such as tingling, prickling, or itching. The bubbles formed during rapid ascent can irritate nerves and skin, producing these cutaneous sensations. That makes tingling and itching on the surface of the skin the best way to describe paresthesia. Other symptoms like visual disturbances or deep joint pain reflect different aspects of DCS (neurologic or musculoskeletal) and aren’t the characteristic skin paresthesias.

Paresthesia is a sensory skin change—in DCS it presents as abnormal skin sensations such as tingling, prickling, or itching. The bubbles formed during rapid ascent can irritate nerves and skin, producing these cutaneous sensations. That makes tingling and itching on the surface of the skin the best way to describe paresthesia. Other symptoms like visual disturbances or deep joint pain reflect different aspects of DCS (neurologic or musculoskeletal) and aren’t the characteristic skin paresthesias.