What condition can occur from deep diving that leads to dizziness or disorientation?

Nitrogen narcosis, often referred to as "the bends," is a condition that can occur from deep diving, primarily due to the inhalation of nitrogen at higher pressures, which affects the central nervous system. As divers descend to depths greater than around 30 meters (100 feet), the partial pressure of nitrogen increases significantly, leading to an anesthetic effect on the brain. This can result in symptoms such as dizziness, disorientation, and impaired judgment.

At deeper depths, divers may experience a feeling similar to intoxication, which can compromise their decision-making abilities and coordination. Therefore, recognizing nitrogen narcosis is crucial for divers to maintain situational awareness and safety while engaging in deep dives.

In contrast, while related conditions like oxygen toxicity, carbon dioxide narcosis, and barotrauma can also affect divers, they manifest in different ways and are usually associated with specific circumstances such as high partial pressures of oxygen, build-up of carbon dioxide, or physical trauma from pressure changes, rather than the psychological and cognitive effects seen with nitrogen narcosis.