nitrogen narcosis
Diver's mental fog
Nitrogen narcosis is a state of impaired mental function experienced by divers at depth, caused by breathing nitrogen under high pressure.
The effect resembles alcohol intoxication—euphoria, confusion, poor judgment, slowed reactions.
It begins around 30 meters and intensifies with depth.
Ascending reverses the symptoms quickly.
Also called the rapture of the deep.
Mental disorientation or bewilderment
- euphoriaIntense emotional high
- disorientationLoss of spatial awareness
- impaired judgmentDiminished capacity to decide
- dizzinessUnsteady, spinning sensation
giddiness · lightheadedness · stupor · vertigo · numbness · disinhibition · hallucination · tunnel vision
Portable underwater breathing gear
- deep divingDescending underwater considerably
- ascentUpward movement
- regulatorDevice maintaining steady output
- dive computerTracks depth and decompression
buddy system · safety stop · thermocline · technical diving · cave diving · wreck diving
One gas's mixture contribution
- inert gasChemically unreactive element
- blood-brain barrierProtective cerebral filtration system
- central nervous systemBrain plus spinal cord
Chance of fatal submersion
- air embolismGas in bloodstream
- oxygen toxicityHarm from excess O2
- decompression sicknessGas bubbles from pressure change
- panic responseInvoluntary fear reaction
confusion
Mental disorientation or bewilderment
- euphoriaIntense emotional high
- disorientationLoss of spatial awareness
- impaired judgmentDiminished capacity to decide
dizziness · giddiness · lightheadedness · stupor · vertigo · numbness · disinhibition · hallucination · tunnel vision · anxiety
scuba
Portable underwater breathing gear
- deep divingDescending underwater considerably
- ascentUpward movement
- regulatorDevice maintaining steady output
dive computer · buddy system · safety stop · thermocline · technical diving · cave diving · wreck diving
partial pressure
One gas's mixture contribution
- inert gasChemically unreactive element
- blood-brain barrierProtective cerebral filtration system
- central nervous systemBrain plus spinal cord
drowning risk
Chance of fatal submersion
- air embolismGas in bloodstream
- oxygen toxicityHarm from excess O2
- decompression sicknessGas bubbles from pressure change
nitrox
Enriched air for diving
nitrogen narcosismental clarity
Sharpness of thought
lucidity · clear-headedness · sobriety · alertness · sharp focus
nitrogen narcosisdecompression sickness
Gas bubbles from pressure change
the bends · oxygen toxicity · hypoxia · barotrauma · hypothermia
nitroglycerin, narcotic, nitrogen, nitrate, nitrite, nitrates, nitric, nitrogenous, narcosis