Migraines after diving

[jefffalcone]

Here is a list of migraine triggers from mayoclinic.com:

Migraine triggers
Whatever the exact mechanism of headaches, a number of things may trigger them. Common migraine triggers include:

• <LI class=doublespace>Hormonal changes. Although the exact relationship between hormones and headaches isn't clear, fluctuations in estrogen seem to trigger headaches in many women with known migraines. Women with a history of migraines often report headaches immediately before or during their periods, and this corresponds to a major drop in estrogen. Others have an increased tendency to develop migraines during pregnancy or menopause. Hormonal medications, such as contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, also may worsen migraines. <LI class=doublespace>Foods. Certain foods appear to trigger headaches in some people. Common offenders include alcohol, especially beer and red wine; aged cheeses; chocolate; fermented, pickled or marinated foods; aspartame; overuse of caffeine; monosodium glutamate — a key ingredient in some Asian foods; certain seasonings; and many canned and processed foods. Skipping meals or fasting also can trigger migraines. <LI class=doublespace>Stress. A hard week at work followed by relaxation may lead to a weekend migraine. Stress at work or home also can instigate migraines. <LI class=doublespace>Sensory stimuli. Bright lights and sun glare can produce head pain. So can unusual smells — including pleasant scents, such as perfume and flowers, and unpleasant odors, such as paint thinner and secondhand smoke. <LI class=doublespace>Changes in wake-sleep pattern. Either missing sleep or getting too much sleep may serve as a trigger for migraine attacks in some individuals. <LI class=doublespace>Physical factors. Intense physical exertion, including sexual activity, may provoke migraines. <LI class=doublespace>Changes in the environment. A change of weather, season, altitude level, barometric pressure or time zone can prompt a migraine.
• Medications. Certain medications can aggravate migraines

The only thing on the list that could be caused by scuba is environmental changes. Of course, migraines are not well understood and just because something has triggered on does not mean that it always will. Since you have 50 or so migraine free dives, I'd look over this list and see if there could be other contributing factors. If not, I'd try diving again and see what happens. If the problem persists, see a doctor.

 

[PfcAJ]

I know that most are not associated with aura, however, migraines with aura can be indicative of a PFO. I'm looking for warning signs of a causative factor that might be overlooked.

Best,
AJ

 

[SparticleBrane]

CO2 headache...

 

[Thalassamania]

CO2 headache...

I'd bet that you're right.

 

[mikerault]

If I put pressure on the back of my head/neck area just where the tendons join the skull for any length of time it generates a migrane headache, as does excessive pressure inward on my lower jaw. Both of which can be caused by bad mask strap placement, too tight a dive hood or allowing the dive hood to pull inward on my lower jaw. That is why I was asking what equipment the OP was using.

Mike

 

[jeraldjcook]

CO2 headache...

Could someone elaborate on this? Causes, preventions, etc.

 

[wreckchick]

The list of migraine triggers only serves to show sufferers where to start to get some predictability. My migraines don't have a single trigger. I can usually only figure out why I got one when I look back and see what I did.

I also vote for CO2 headache for the OP though.

Rachel

 

[mikerault]

Sounds like a likely candidate.

 

[diver 85]

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?

Could be something as simple as you're having sinus problems......I've never read anything in the literature about diving causing migraines.......But(just looked @ your name closely, ie girl in it)could be though migraines due to your sex & depending on what age you are............get an MRI if it continues......

 

[amascuba]

co2 retention is the likely cause... Basically with your light/skip breathing you are not creating enough co2 and o2 exchange and you body and retaining co2.

Try breathing doing slow deep breaths and not pausing after you take a deep breath... If you keep having issues I would give DAN a call and/or go see your doctor/cardiologist ... It could be a sign a much more serious problem.