Concussion

[hgroberts]

I was doing sports training last night, and fell during a backwards angle pedal to the right. I had "moderate to sever" concussion, I have a friend who had to stop diving for 1.5 years do to a head injury, and was wondering if this would effect diving? Do I need to see an ENT before diving?

Thanks, HG

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi HG,

Individuals who sustain a concussion generally would see a neurologist if they needed further evalution. Unless there were signs and symptoms of direct involvement of the ENT system, an ENT generally would not be consulted.

Here is what DAN says about diving after head trauma:

Head Trauma
http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/faq/faq.asp?faqid=76

Helpful?

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[hgroberts]

Thank you verry much, I feel alot better now, but don't rember anything that happned yesterday. I am now learing that I had a cat scan, even though I can't remember it........

 

[Sideband]

I'll second the Neurologist. An Ear, Nose and Throat Dr. is generally going to be a bit out of his league.

Joe

 

[erparamedic]

Definitely an issue for a neurologist... just a question, since you aparently paid a visit to the ER... aren't they having you follow up with neuro anyway? Every hospital is different, but the ER I work in, would have you see a neurologist for a follow-up in a few days. Just my 2 psi.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi HG,

Given a moderate to severe concussion, being unable to remember events which immediately preceded and followed the injury is common. More severe head injuries tend to associated with longer periods of memory loss. Typically some of these memories return with the passage of time, but complete memory recovery for the event may never occur.

The diver with a history of significant concussion will want to insure that sensory and motor functions, alertness, concentration, memory and higher cognitive abilities are fully adequate for safe scuba. In addition, if returning to scuba with residual signs or symptoms the diver should closely monitor these so that they will not be confused with cerebral DCI.

Clear?

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[shakeybrainsurgeon]

I agree with Doc. The usual side effects from this type of concussion include: headaches, difficulty concentrating, vertigo and lightheadedness. In most people, these resolve in about four to six weeks. The biggest concern I would have about diving after a concussion is the concentration issue. I have treated many people with complex jobs (surgeons, lawyers, pilots) who, after a concussion, looked, felt and acted normally but could not focus their attention long enough to do their jobs for up to several months. I suspect that's why many quarterbacks who have concussions don't return to the game for weeks or months --- not just the fear of re-injury, but the lack of focus and difficulty with remembering plays and reading defenses. You need to be able to read your computer and gauges (and remember to do so underwater), navigate, and do other cognitive skills when diving. Until it is certain that you have not any cognitive short-term problems, it's best to stay out of the water.

I second the opinion of seeing either a neurologist or a neurosurgeon in follow up before diving. Unless you have prolonged vertigo or dizziness, an ENT evaluation is not necessary.

 

[hgroberts]

Definitely an issue for a neurologist... just a question, since you aparently paid a visit to the ER... aren't they having you follow up with neuro anyway? Every hospital is different, but the ER I work in, would have you see a neurologist for a follow-up in a few days. Just my 2 psi.

No, I had a c-t scan and was out of there.

 

[TSandM]

hgroberts, I hope they counselled you about the risk of another impact to your head in the near future. One of the biggest dangers of a signficant concussion (which it sounds as though you had) is that even a minor blow to the head shortly thereafter can induce life-threatening brain swelling. People who have had major concussions should be advised to avoid any activity which carries a significant risk of head injury. The length of time varies with the severity and persistence of symptoms, but certainly extends through the entire recovery period until the patient is asymptomatic -- meaning no concentration or thinking difficulties, no recurrent headaches, etc.