Headaches similar to Migraines after diving

[Nay]

I usually don't have any pain in my head while diving but within a few hours I develop what feels like a mirgaine. I have had headahce problems in the past and have lots of tension in my neck and shoulders but these are bad headahces. Can't sleep, can't relax, hot showers don't help.
I know it's not DCS because I haven't dived deeper than 45 ft for 30 min or so but I was wondering if anyone else has had similar issues.
Thanks

 

[WarmWaterDiver]

Do a search on "migraine" in "all forums" and you'll find some past posts - including one from me. I recommend you see your physician about these. I wasn't correctly diagnosed until my early 30's, and can remeber having such headaches as early as elementary school. Mine aren't typically associated with diving activities.

 

[padiscubapro]

I usually don't have any pain in my head while diving but within a few hours I develop what feels like a mirgaine. I have had headahce problems in the past and have lots of tension in my neck and shoulders but these are bad headahces. Can't sleep, can't relax, hot showers don't help.
I know it's not DCS because I haven't dived deeper than 45 ft for 30 min or so but I was wondering if anyone else has had similar issues.
Thanks

Headaches are also a symptom of High CO2 usually after, not during high co2.. If you are breathing shallow or skip breathing you can retain CO2 ..

If you are breathing Nitrox its even more likely for some people since the higher oxygen content depresses the need to breathe, which limits gas exchange .. Deep slow breathing is necessary..

There are numerous other possibilities.. I'm just pointing out one that is often overlooked..

 

[Phaethon]

I'm wondering if the head and neck posture in diving might be a factor, especially if new to diving. I have some early spodylitis in the neck so am aware of the position daiving puts the neck into. If you think about it the diving posture is like walking with your head craned back. Perhaps spending more time looking down and/or getting a low-profile mask with better upward vision so you don't have to crank the head back so far to look forward?

Just some thoughts that occurred...

K.

 

[pipedope]

It shouldn't hurt after diving.

Do you get these headaches any other time?

CO2 buildup can really do a number on you. Good, easy breathing regulators and good, deep breathing will prevent it.

The more relaxed you are in the water the less stress you encounter and the better you will feel both during and after the dive. The answer on this one is to dive more.

 

[diverrick]

We were at a loss as to the cause, but It turned out that her second stage Reg was leaking a scant amount of Salt water into her reg, and she was inhaling it. She never noticed it, but she'd get these terrible headaches that progressed into nausea, then vomiting if she didn't abort the dive first. You didn't mention if it was salt water dives or not, but we changed out her reg for a rental, and the problem went away.
I am not saying you have the same problem, but it is worth looking into. Let us all know if you find the problem.

 

[subdude]

My partner quit having post dive headaches when he upgraded his reg from a POS to a reputable brand.

subdude

 

[IzzyTahil]

If you are breathing Nitrox its even more likely for some people since the higher oxygen content depresses the need to breathe, which limits gas exchange .. Deep slow breathing is necessary...

I find this statement interesting. You (or anyone else) got any support for this so I can read further? When I first started diving nitrox, I got post dive headaches and have since changed to full extended exhalations with better results. When on air, I dont get them.

 

[Nay]

Hm, some really good stuff, thanks.
I'm diving salt water on air and it's most likely not breathing deeply enough combined with some bad neck positioning. I'm not in the shape I need to be in and beach dives kind of get me out of breath so I was probably breathing too shallowly and retained too much CO2.
I was using rental gear and didn't notice any problems while in the water but it's also something I should keep a thought on.
Gee, guess I'll have to dive more.
thanks!

 

[Zippsy]

One other possibility that gives some pretty severe headaches is dehydration. Make sure you drink plenty of water before and after dives because the dry air you breath underwater and the exercise you do both dry you out and cause headaches.