 While bubbles can form anywhere in the body, DCS is most frequently observed in the shoulders, elbows, knees, and ankles. Joint pain ("the bends") accounts for about 60 % to 70 % of all altitude DCS cases, with the shoulder being the most common site. Neurological symptoms are present in 10 % to 15 % of DCS cases with headache and visual disturbances being the most common symptom. Skin manifestations are present in about 10 % to 15 % of cases. Pulmonary DCS ("the chokes") is very rare in divers and has been observed much less frequently in aviators since the introduction of oxygen pre-breathing protocols. The table below shows symptoms for different DCS types.
