decompression sickness
an adverse effect of rapid movement of a body from an environment of high pressure to one of lower pressure, resulting in the formation of nitrogen bubbles in the body tissues. The circulatory system is particularly sensitive to the effect. Neurological consequences may include loss of consciousness, convulsions, paresthesias, and damage to the brain and spinal cord. A form of decompression sickness that affects the cardiopulmonary system and may lead to circulatory collapse is called the chokes; it is characterized by discomfort underneath the sternum and coughing on deep inspiration. When decompression sickness affects mainly the bones and joints, it is called the bends.