What condition is indicated by extreme fatigue, weakness, and paralysis as symptoms?

Extreme fatigue, weakness, and paralysis can be indicative of an arterial gas embolism (AGE), which occurs when gas bubbles enter the arterial circulation. This condition is particularly relevant in diving medicine, as it often results from rapid ascent or inadequate decompression after a dive. The nitrogen absorbed by the body can form bubbles that disrupt blood flow, leading to various neurological symptoms.

In AGE, the gas bubbles can travel to vital areas, including the brain and spinal cord, causing significant impairment, which manifests as fatigue and weakness due to decreased oxygenation of tissues and potential ischemia. The paralysis can be a direct result of neurological impact, as gas bubbles can obstruct blood vessels that supply the nervous system, leading to transient or permanent neurological deficits.

While dehydration, subcutaneous emphysema, and mediastinal emphysema can also present with various symptoms, they do not typically produce the combination of extreme fatigue, weakness, and paralysis seen in cases of arterial gas embolism. Dehydration may cause fatigue but is not associated with paralysis, and the emphysema types primarily involve air escape into tissues or cavities, rather than the systemic gas bubble complications associated with AGE.