Nausea vertigo - not seasickness

[reefseal]

I'm wondering how to prevent sudden onset of nausea/vertigo when diving. I'm not talking about sea sickness when diving off boat, or when there is surge underwater. I've experienced symptoms in shore fives, still water (lakes, Fresh water springs)

One time, a shore dive in river during slack, began to feel quesy (sp?) underwater, when surfaced, was really bad had to lay down hoping would go away. This was with hood in cold water.

The same happened in some dives in fla springs (ginnie, devils den, blue grotto..) This was without hood in somewhat warm water. Had to throw up when surfaced. It's when I look up to surface from depth that get feel quesy.

It's got to be equalibrium related.

Funny thing is totally fine on boat dives in roughest conditions.. Wondering if anything can do to prevent.. Sudafed? I hate taking sea sick stuff. Makes me sleepy about time drive back from dive.

 

[miguel sanz]

i think you shouls see an ENT and get studied.
How long does the vertigo last. Does it happen out of the water too? and do you have any other symtoms: ear loss, weird sounds, pain? is it always on ascending?
and one more question do you feel like you´re turning around or objects are turning around you, or you´re feeling dizzy?

 

[mnj1233]

I'm wondering how to prevent sudden onset of nausea/vertigo when diving. I'm not talking about sea sickness when diving off boat, or when there is surge underwater. I've experienced symptoms in shore fives, still water (lakes, Fresh water springs)

One time, a shore dive in river during slack, began to feel quesy (sp?) underwater, when surfaced, was really bad had to lay down hoping would go away. This was with hood in cold water.

The same happened in some dives in fla springs (ginnie, devils den, blue grotto..) This was without hood in somewhat warm water. Had to throw up when surfaced. It's when I look up to surface from depth that get feel quesy.

It's got to be equalibrium related.

Funny thing is totally fine on boat dives in roughest conditions.. Wondering if anything can do to prevent.. Sudafed? I hate taking sea sick stuff. Makes me sleepy about time drive back from dive.

I too would see someone prior to diving again. Vomiting underwater can be potentially deadly. I have had vertigo underwater more than once but usually due to inverted position or the steep angle of a wreck inside or out. Never felt nausea but Id be leary if I did!

 

[knotical]

Possibly alternobaric vertigo? Caused by different pressures in the two middle ears. Reportedly occurs primarily on ascent. Combatted by frequent equalizing while ascending.

Some info here: http://www.scuba-doc.com/vert.htm
(A more reliable source than I.)

Also known as alternobaro vertigo, as seen here:
http://www.naui.org/pdffiles/dizzy.pdf
(justleesa posted that URL a year ago)

 

[reefseal]

i think you shouls see an ENT and get studied.
How long does the vertigo last. Does it happen out of the water too? and do you have any other symtoms: ear loss, weird sounds, pain? is it always on ascending?
and one more question do you feel like you´re turning around or objects are turning around you, or you´re feeling dizzy?

It doesn't happen out of water. Only on few instances.. Fortunately, it's very mild without the above symptoms (spins, hearing loss, sounds..) I'm not sure if it's during ascends only. I've always felt quesy when look up at surface from bottom.

It's more of an anoying nausous feeling. I'm going to try to take some others advice and try Sudafed.. (and make sure have no wax in ears!)

BTW.. Have vomited only once underwater. Not fun and hope will never have to do again. I think it was due to a sudden surge/swell as ascending on a boat dive. I was green going in so it was clearly a case of sea sickness. At least, know how to deal with if ever happens again. Was a rental regulator though.. I feel for whoever rented it next!

 

[reefseal]

Possibly alternobaric vertigo? Caused by different pressures in the two middle ears. Reportedly occurs primarily on ascent. Combatted by frequent equalizing while ascending.

Some info here: http://www.scuba-doc.com/vert.htm
(A more reliable source than I.)

I think this is what it must be. Thanks for the link!!!!!!

 

[Lexy]

I've had a similar experience but when night diving. Are you experiencing a whirly or swirling feeling? This happened to me when I was shore diving - when the surge kicks up the sand. I was able to fix it by keeping my eyes fixed on a stationery object (Reef, rock (w/out kelp). Or are you just getting nausea underwater and just all of a sudden? In my case of vertigo (and many others from what I read), sea sickness meds were prescribed.... Meclazine/Dramamine. Have you tried taking some over the counter sea sickness meds before diving? This might prevent the nausea.

 

[miguel sanz]

Possibly alternobaric vertigo? Caused by different pressures in the two middle ears. Reportedly occurs primarily on ascent. Combatted by frequent equalizing while ascending.

Some info here: http://www.scuba-doc.com/vert.htm
(A more reliable source than I.)

Also known as alternobaro vertigo, as seen here:
http://www.naui.org/pdffiles/dizzy.pdf
(justleesa posted that URL a year ago)

That what it looks like but other causes can´t be ruled out, if it happens also out of the water and only last for some seconds it could be a paroxistical benign vertigo.
Agai I recommend going to an ENT that can easely rule out some causes + don´t take
SUDAFED (specially since you d9idn´t feel good with it) before better knowing what´s going on

 

[J75]

Has this ever happened to you when you weren't in the water? You may want to ask your doctor about getting some perscription strength meclizine. My fater has to take this on a daily basis to combat vertigo. It seems to work for him and it seems to have no side-effects that would be prohibitive to diving.

 

[mnj1233]

I would also ask the Doc about Menieres Disease. Sorry if spelling is incorrect.

http://oto.wustl.edu/men/mn1.htm