Migraines after diving

[floridasungirl]

Lately I've been getting migraines after diving. I've done over 50 dives and it's just been the past three but they really knock me out for the rest of the day.

No equipment has been changed. Twice it was on shore dives so I wasn't going too fast. And they all start while I'm in the water so it's not a question of assent. The only difference is that the water has been warmer than what I've been in for the last few months.

Anyone have any idea what brings them on?

 

[mikerault]

WHat equipment are you using? Have you been wearing your mask down on your chin?

 

[SoCalAngel]

Lately I've been getting migraines after diving. I've done over 50 dives and it's just been the past three but they really knock me out for the rest of the day.

I find I get a pretty bad headache if I am not well hydrated before I dive. Try drinking more water before you dive.

If you are well hydrated, it could also be due to the quality (or lack thereof) of your air fill.

 

[Bob Vincent]

I'd have your air checked like now ... don't go pass go do not collect $200 there have been bad fills. Second Mask to tight? Sinus? The part about the last 3 dives in a day. Tells me a certain air station if you never experienced it before.

 

[musicalmike]

I agree that it is possible your air supply was contaminated, if it was only the last few dives.
I have had issues over the years with head-aches too. It is usually as a result of skip breathing or aggresive diving (currents, beach, limited viz). I would also look into getting your nitrox cert. if you don't have it yet. This will also help if your prone to head-aches.

 

[PfcAJ]

Are you sure its a migraine? Do you have a history of headaches like this? Is it a migraine
with "aura"?

Best,
AJ

 

[jefffalcone]

I've had this happen. I had never had a migraine before this experience, but it had all the telltale symptoms: extreme light sensitivity, nausia, throbbing headache, extreme sensitivity to noise. On the same dive I had a dental issue, so I figured they might be related, or it might be a coincidence.

PfcAJ, most migraines are not acompanied by aura. I did a lot of research after I tought I had one to decide if it actually was a migraine, and found that this is one of the biggest reasons migraines are often misdiagnosed. People think no aura = no migraine.

If you are having migraines, I don't think bad air is the culprit. On the other hand if it's just a bad headache, then maybe. I'd chalk it up to coincidence, and hope it doesn't happen again. If it continues to happen, see a doctor.

 

[floridasungirl]

The air fill was from two different places so i ruled that out, although I did consider that. It was actually three dives one different days. Mask wasn't too tight. Reading from what was wrote I think it might be the dehydration although I try to drink plenty before I go in. And I am prone to sinus infections. Any idea on how to avoid in the future? I REALLY do not consider giving up diving an option.

What is skip breathing?

 

[spectrum]

I REALLY do not consider giving up diving an option.

What is skip breathing?

I agree, that is not an option.

Skip breathing is a technique of really slowing your respiration with exaggerated pauses between breaths.

You can breathe very slowly and deliberately and even pause slightly before reversing but deep exhalations must be part of the process.

My guess is that you are really starting to relax as a diver and are breathing too lightly. This is letting you retain carbon dioxide and will have you ending the dive in a world of hurt. Make it a point to have a full exhale in those breaths. Has you air usage been changing?

Pete

 

[floridasungirl]

I've always been a light breather, coming up with 1800+ when by buddy is down to 500. I understand the migraines with shore diving because so much work is put into just getting out to the reef, but yesterday was with a drift dive. That's what's confusing.

I'll try another drift dive with stronger breathing and see if that works.