As the symptoms for DCI are so diverse, any symptom that cannot be readily explained after diving or other hyperbaric exposure should be assumed to be DCI until proven otherwise. Any symptoms that are suspected to have been caused by DCI should be treated in a hyperbaric chamber. Many believe that DCI can only be treated whilst in the acute phase (no longer than 7-10 days after symptom onset)
Severe DCI is relatively easy to identify as the signs and symptoms can be relatively obvious. Such patients will obviously benefit from immediate treatment in an appropriate recompression chamber. However, in many cases of DCI the symptoms are only minor, such as: Altered consciousness, balance and coordination problems, memory problems numbness or tingling, joint pains, and muscular weakness. Often these symptoms are initially put down to fatigue, over-exertion, lifting of heavy objects such as diving tanks, badly fitting equipment or the cold.
