Barotrauma

Question 1

Damage caused by vascular penetration as a result of ambient pressure change to enclosed gas-filled spaces that are surrounded by rigid walls i.e.., sinuses, ears, or other cavities meeting criteria

Answer 1

Barotrauma

Question 2

Types of Barotrauma

Answer 2

(1) Ear squeezes
(2) Sinus squeeze
(3) Tooth squeeze

Question 3

(1) Caused by injury to tissues within the ear as a result of an obstruction or inability to equalized pressure to the inside, or outside the areas of the tympanic membrane (TM).
(2) As a diver descends, water pressure increases and compresses gas-filled space of the middle ear. To counterbalance this pressure increase, the diver must valsalva (forces air up through the eustachian tube into the middle ear) to equalize with the pressure
at depth (Boyles law).
(3) If the pressure is not equalized damage may occur to the vascular tissues of the ear, rupture the TM, and / or injure the cochlea/vestibular apparatus.

Answer 3

Ear squeeze

Question 4

Symptoms
(a) Sharp pain in the ear
(b) Rupture of the tympanic membrane
(c) Vertigo
(d) Tinnitus
(e) Hearing Loss
(f) Nausea/Vomiting

Answer 4

Ear squeeze

Question 5

Treatment of Ear squeeze

Answer 5

(a) HEENT exam
(b) Decongestants
(c) Pain medication

Question 6

If ruptured eardrum is suspected, should you administer medication directly into the ear canal

Answer 6

No, unless you consult with ENT