Cognitive Functions in Scuba, Technical and Saturation Diving

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (scuba) diving is a popular water activity. In our review, we collect data concerning cognitive function impairment in recreational, technical and saturation diving. Cognitive functions such as alertness, memory and decision making seem to be crucial for divers’ safety. More research should be conducted to clearly define the degrees of diving influence on cognitive functions. We present the collected data following division into acute and chronic effects of diving on cognitive functioning. In addition, we describe high-pressure neurological syndrome (HPNS) as deep dives are becoming commonplace. Our summary gathers the available data concerning impaired cognitive functioning in diving. There is a need for more research to be performed to allow further conclusions to be made in this field. ABSTRACT: Scuba diving as a recreational activity is becoming increasingly popular. However, the safety of this activity, especially in the out-of-comfort zone, has been discussed worldwide. The latest publications bring conclusions regarding negative effects on cognitive functions. We compare the acute and chronic effects of diving on cognitive functioning depending on the type of dive performed, including recreational, technical and saturation diving. However, the results of research show that acute and chronic effects on cognitive functions can be negative. While acute effects are reversible after the ascent, chronic effects include white matter lesions in magnetic resonance imaging scans. We believe that more investigations should be performed to determine the chronic effects that could be observed after a few months of observations in a group of regular, intense divers. In addition, publications referring to technical divers are very limited, which is disquieting, as this particular group of divers seems to be neglected in research concerning the effects of diving on cognitive functions.