Which decompression sickness type is associated with severe symptoms?

Type II decompression sickness (DCS) is associated with severe symptoms primarily because it involves the central nervous system, which can lead to serious neurological impairments. In Type II DCS, bubbles that form during a rapid ascent can affect not only the brain and spinal cord but also the inner ear and lungs. Symptoms can include paralysis, loss of consciousness, or seizures, which represent a higher level of medical urgency.

In contrast, Type I DCS, which is characterized by milder symptoms such as joint pain and skin rashes, typically does not result in the same level of severity and is often referred to as "the bends." Conditions like caloric vertigo and oxygen toxicity, while they also involve significant physiological responses, do not fall under the classification of decompression sickness. Thus, Type II DCS is clearly recognized as the more severe form due to its profound impact on vital bodily functions and the critical need for immediate medical intervention.