About the Paper
This selection is a copy of my peer-reviewed published paper, which I included for several reasons. First, it discusses more than 20 published explanations that attempt to clarify why bubbles form and/or prevent decompression sickness (DCS).
Second, it explains the roles of gradients (fully quantifiable) and perfusion (with infinite variations) in the development of DCS. Third, it provides an explanation for why decompression signs and symptoms occur at specific sites. Additionally, it served as the basis for two more publications that complement my Gradient Perfusion Model and further supplement the information in this paper.
I am grateful to Best Publishing Company for permitting me to publish this selection in its original journal format and for acting as the publisher of my book, "Diving Science...Revisited."
The invaluable support of their editors, Lorraine Seco-White and Riley Brown Lester, played a crucial role in bringing DSR to fruition and agreeing to provide a platform for sharing the information from this selection as well as other content on the internet.
Finally, I want to acknowledge my co-authors, Lientra Lu, BS, and Stuart Miller, MD, for their contribution to the publication of this selection and their involvement in my DSR book.
The bottom line is that this selection complements the existing theories on why bubbles form but goes beyond by explaining why symptoms occur in the various presentations of DCS. As a result, it suggests that the term "disordered decompression" should replace "unexplained decompression sickness" when obvious causes of DCS are not apparent (e.g., omitting decompression).
By utilizing a detailed history and comprehensive physical examination based on my Gradient Perfusion Model, the causes of DCS can be determined.
Furthermore, this selection establishes a connection between my book on diving science and decompression sickness, as it builds upon existing knowledge and contributes to understanding DCS.
