How soon do symptoms of arterial gas embolism (AGE) typically appear?

Symptoms of arterial gas embolism (AGE) typically appear less than 10 minutes after surfacing or an event that causes a rapid change in pressure, such as a rapid ascent during a dive. This rapid onset is primarily due to the introduction of gas bubbles into the arterial system, which can occur quickly after an individual's lung over-expansion or other diving-related incidents where the ambient pressure changes dramatically.

Since the signs of AGE can escalate quickly, prompt recognition and intervention are crucial for effective treatment. Some common symptoms include difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or neurological changes, reflecting the immediate impact on circulation and oxygen delivery to tissues following the formation of these gas bubbles.

While symptoms can vary depending on the individual and the circumstances, they manifest rapidly, typically making the timeframe of less than 10 minutes the most accurate description of when symptoms begin to appear after an incident involving potential gas embolism.