What is a potential consequence of gas bubbles blocking vessels in the body during an AGE?

During an arterial gas embolism (AGE), gas bubbles enter the bloodstream and can occlude blood vessels, leading to serious complications. One of the significant potential consequences of this blockage is ischemia, which occurs when the supply of blood (and therefore oxygen) to a part of the body is restricted. This lack of adequate blood flow can cause tissue infarction, where the affected tissue becomes necrotic due to insufficient oxygen and nutrients.

Ischemia and tissue infarction can lead to severe and often irreversible damage in vital organs, such as the brain or heart. These conditions demand immediate medical intervention, as the timely restoration of blood flow is crucial to prevent further complications, including permanent damage.

While other symptoms like back pain, increased heart rate, and severe headache could potentially arise from various conditions, they do not directly relate to the critical physiological consequences that arise specifically from gas bubbles obstructing blood vessels, hence they are not as fitting as ischemia and tissue infarction in the context of AGE.