What is a common symptom of Nitrogen Narcosis?

Nitrogen narcosis, often referred to as 'rapture of the deep,' is a condition that occurs when divers descend to depths greater than approximately 30 meters (100 feet). At these depths, the increased partial pressure of nitrogen in the breathing gas can lead to narcotic-like effects, causing mental impairment.

The symptom that is commonly associated with nitrogen narcosis is the feeling of "apparent stupidity." This manifests as confusion, impaired judgment, an inability to think clearly, and decreased motor skills. This can lead divers to make poor decisions or mistakes that would not occur under normal conditions.

While other symptoms may occur with deeper depths or other diving-related problems, such as increased heart rate or loss of consciousness, the hallmark symptom of nitrogen narcosis remains the cognitive impairment. Therefore, recognizing "apparent stupidity" as a key symptom allows divers to understand the potential risks associated with deeper dives and prompts them to practice safe diving procedures, such as avoiding depths where nitrogen narcosis can occur.