Headaches/Migrains on surfacing from a dive

[SCUBAMedicBill]

Two other causes of headaches after diving is a mask that is too tight, or a hood that is too small. If she has adjusted her mask straps, or is using a new one, try loosing the straps, and if she's wearing a hood, maybe she might try a larger hood or a hyperstretch hood.

Bill

 

[Nick Stephens]

Hi Guys,
We'll yes my wife does have a PFO. We had a scan and the bubbles travelled from one side of the heart to the other (via the hole). Next stage is surgery to get the closure. Then all being well she can then dive again once all fixed up. The migrains were a blessing in disguise as a warning that there was a PFO. If anyone gets migrains like this then I'd recommend the scan. Better safe than sorry and receiving a life threatening bend unecesseraly.
Nick..

 

[Dr Deco]

Glad we could be of some assistance.

 

[kroorda]

Nick.
The previous writer was right on about CO2 retention. Breath deep and try to exchange all the air in your lungs with each breath. As a migraine sufferer myself, I have done a great deal of research on migraines and diving. The bottom line is that diving and the accumulation of nitrogen does not trigger migraines. However, the accumulation of CO2 does trigger headaches and migraines. For more info, feel free to take a look at DAN's website: www.diversalertnetwork.org
Kent