Spinal Decompression Sickness and Hyperbaric Treatment Options

Q: Spinal Decompression Sickness and Hyperbaric Treatment Options

Hello, Little Fish： (1) In Taiwan, hospitals that offer hyperbaric oxygen therapy include： (1) Northern Taiwan： National Defense Medical Center Keelung Hospital, Tri-Service General Hospital, Mackay Memorial Hospital in Tamsui, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei Veterans

Spinal decompression syndrome

In Taiwan, hospitals that offer hyperbaric oxygen therapy for spinal decompression disease primarily use USN-table 6 and USN-table 6A, or other treatment tables.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Xiao Yu Er, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2001/11/20

Dr. Lin Zhengyan reply Diving Medicine

Hello, Little Fish: (1) In Taiwan, hospitals that offer hyperbaric oxygen therapy include: (1) Northern Taiwan: National Defense Medical Center Keelung Hospital, Tri-Service General Hospital, Mackay Memorial Hospital in Tamsui, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Zhongying Hospital in Banqiao, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taoyuan, Min-Sheng Hospital in Taoyuan, and Taoyuan Veterans Hospital.
(2) Central Taiwan: Taichung Veterans General Hospital, China Medical University Hospital, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Shalu Guangtian Hospital, Changhua Show Chwan Hospital, and Changhua Christian Hospital.
(3) Southern Taiwan: Chiayi Christian Hospital, Tainan Chimei Hospital, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center Zuoying Hospital, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Hengchun Hospital under the Department of Health, and National Defense Medical Center Penghu Hospital.
(4) Eastern Taiwan: Luodong Boai Hospital and Hualien Hospital under the Department of Health.
(2) The aforementioned hospitals have specialized hyperbaric oxygen physicians, providing a higher level of assurance.
However, the hospitals that offer decompression sickness treatment services include: National Defense Medical Center Keelung Hospital, Tri-Service General Hospital, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Tainan Chimei Hospital, National Defense Medical Center Zuoying Hospital, Hengchun Hospital under the Department of Health, and National Defense Medical Center Penghu Hospital.
(3) The treatment for spinal decompression sickness in Taiwan primarily utilizes the USN Table 6A.
If residual symptoms persist after the initial hyperbaric treatment, a series of hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions at 50 feet for 120 minutes may be conducted.
For more detailed information, please call (08) 8881238, the Diving Medicine Department at Hengchun Branch of Pingtung Hospital, Department of Health.

Reply Date: 2001/11/20

More Info

Spinal decompression sickness, often referred to as "the bends," occurs when nitrogen bubbles form in the bloodstream and tissues due to rapid decompression, typically experienced by divers ascending too quickly. This condition can lead to severe pain, neurological deficits, and even paralysis if not treated promptly. The treatment of choice for decompression sickness is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), which involves placing the patient in a hyperbaric chamber where they breathe pure oxygen at pressures greater than atmospheric pressure. This therapy helps to reduce the size of nitrogen bubbles, enhances oxygen delivery to tissues, and promotes healing.

In Taiwan, hospitals that provide hyperbaric oxygen therapy typically utilize specific treatment tables designed for various conditions. The USN-table 6 and USN-table 6A are specific protocols developed by the United States Navy for treating decompression sickness and other conditions. These tables outline the pressure levels and durations for the administration of hyperbaric oxygen, tailored to the severity of the condition and the patient's specific needs.

The USN-table 6 is generally used for treating mild to moderate cases of decompression sickness, while the USN-table 6A is reserved for more severe cases, including those with neurological symptoms. The choice between these tables depends on the clinical presentation of the patient, the extent of the decompression sickness, and the presence of any neurological involvement.

In addition to the USN tables, other treatment protocols may also be employed depending on the hospital's resources and the specific circumstances of the case. These can include various hyperbaric treatment tables that are adapted for different conditions, such as carbon monoxide poisoning, chronic non-healing wounds, and radiation injury, among others.

It is essential for patients experiencing symptoms of spinal decompression sickness to seek immediate medical attention. Early intervention with hyperbaric oxygen therapy can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term complications. The treatment typically involves multiple sessions in the hyperbaric chamber, with the exact number and duration determined by the severity of the condition and the patient's response to therapy.

In summary, if you are inquiring about the availability of hyperbaric oxygen treatment for spinal decompression sickness in Taiwan, it is advisable to consult with specific hospitals that specialize in hyperbaric medicine. They will be able to provide detailed information on the treatment protocols they use, including whether they utilize the USN-table 6 or USN-table 6A, or other treatment tables based on their clinical guidelines and the specific needs of the patients. Always ensure that the facility is accredited and staffed by trained professionals to ensure safe and effective treatment.

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