dizzyness on Ascents

[chippy]

Hi guys

I've recently been suffering from a slight feeling of dizzyness when making ascents, particularly open water ascents without a shot line or any form of guide to the surface.

I didn't seem to have any problems when diving in clear tropical water, ascending from 30m close in to the reef or up the anchor line, but it only seems to happen in murky green UK water.

It's really beginning to effect my confidence to the point where I'm now only happy doing shore dives, as I'm worrying that I might have a blackout.

Is this a condition to worry about, or is there anything I can do to help prevent it? Last time I did a boat dive of 18m and it happened, I made myself concentrate on my dive computer as I ascended which seemed to help a little.

Cheers for any advice!

 

[ScubaDadMiami]

I am not a physician. However, you should likely get checked out by an ENT to rule out ear related issues that could be causing this.

You mention that this happens in cold, murky water but does not seem to be the case where you are in warm, clear water. Each of these ingredients could mean something.

You might be having issues related to the cold versus warm water. This is the reason for my suggestion to see an ENT.

On the other hand, if it is just clear versus murky, the problem you are describing is common. This is why focusing on your computer is helping to some degree but not much. Your computer is some sort of reference but does not help much because it is on you and not attached to the surface, bottom or any reference as to what is up and what is down.

If you are focusing on a line or something that orients you to which way is up versus down or other directions, and that removes the problem, it is likely just a disorientation problem. In that case, gaining experience in limited visibility diving (work your way down in terms of visibility) will help over time.

 

[chippy]

Thanks for the reply.

Thats what I pretty much thought (disorientation), but I thought it could have been an ear problem perhaps.

What's an ENT?

 

[saltwater taffy]

I would check with an ENT (ear nose and throat doc) I would be checked out to make sure that you are not having a reverse squeeze.

Stay well,
SWT

 

[r37691]

I've had the same problem in 38-50 degree low viz water. Went to my doctor who sent me for an MRI and then to a ENT. Turned out I had a really nasty inner ear infection. For me the doc said I wouldn't black out, but sometimes I sure did feel like it. Had it quite a bit during the 2001 diving season but, it has never come back that severe again. Now I carry a reel with a lift bag in case it ever happens again. I can't give up a sport I love.
Good Luck,
Bob

 

[chippy]

For me the doc said I wouldn't black out, but sometimes I sure did feel like it.

Thanks Bob

That sounds exactly like the symptoms I'm getting - the dizzy feeling almost to the point of feeling like I might blackout.

I've done a bit of investigating on the web, and have narrowed it down to what I think is "alternobaric vertigo". 've got an appointment with my regular doctor today, so I will see what he thinks.

Cheers

Paul

 

[The Kraken]

Welcome to IFR flying. Sounds to me like the classic case of vertigo.

 

[pasley]

Are you field testing that underwater liquor dispenser with straight scotch again?


Sorry, it was just laying there and I had to do it. I agree with r37691 see your ENT.

 

[Irene]

I've had the same issue on occasion and think its because one ear has vented some excess air during ascent, but the other ear has not caught up to it yet. That imbalance causes vertigo. For me, ascending super-super slow (about 10 feet/minute) prevents this from happening.

 

[wreckchick]

Obviously, ruling out a medical issue takes precidence. It does look a little bit like what I've heard referred to as "blue water vertigo" where there is nothing around you to differentiate up from down or left from right. The idea of carrying a lift bag and spool to create a reference line is a good one. Also you might try concentrating on the bubbles going "up" as well as the computer/depth gauge to reassure yourself of your position in the water column.

Good luck!

Rachel