Which of the following is NOT listed as a major symptom of decompression illness?

Which of the following is NOT listed as a major symptom of decompression illness?

• A. Vertigo
• B. Pneumothorax
• C. Dizziness
• D. Urinary retention

Answer: (C)

Decompression illness produces signs from nitrogen bubbles in tissues and blood, and the major signs are those that clearly indicate significant neurologic or cardiopulmonary involvement. Vertigo is a clear vestibular symptom tied to CNS effects and is treated as a major sign in this context. Dizziness, on the other hand, is a broader, nonspecific symptom that can arise from many conditions and isn’t categorized as a major decompression illness sign in the protocol. Pneumothorax can occur as a barotrauma complication, but it isn’t a primary decompression illness symptom itself. Urinary retention isn’t typical of decompression illness. So dizziness is the one not listed as a major symptom.

Decompression illness produces signs from nitrogen bubbles in tissues and blood, and the major signs are those that clearly indicate significant neurologic or cardiopulmonary involvement. Vertigo is a clear vestibular symptom tied to CNS effects and is treated as a major sign in this context. Dizziness, on the other hand, is a broader, nonspecific symptom that can arise from many conditions and isn’t categorized as a major decompression illness sign in the protocol. Pneumothorax can occur as a barotrauma complication, but it isn’t a primary decompression illness symptom itself. Urinary retention isn’t typical of decompression illness. So dizziness is the one not listed as a major symptom.