Question for the Doc(s)

[Toecutter]

Hi,

I was in a motorcycle accident two weeks ago and suffered some Infra and SupraPentorial hematoma. "Brain Trauma" in other words. My Neuro Doc said that I should be back to normal in a month(three weeks now) when I left the hospital. What type of tests or evaluations do I need to go through before I dive again? I am in excellent physical shape and have always been a rapid healer but I want to make sure that I will be safe before I go under again. My current plan is to start with shallow dives (less than 33'/1atm) and then gradually get down to approx. 50' as my initial self test routine. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Toe

 

[DocVikingo]

I suspect that your actually are referring to infra & supratentorial hematoma. BTW, it appears that you were fortunate. This can be very serious.

The diver with such a history will want to make sure that brain imaging shows good resolution of the hematoma, there are no worrisome signs/symtpoms such as headache, abnormalities of eye movement or muscles, or disturbances cognition or behavior. Once this is achieved, and the diver has the stamina & desire, the decision to return to scuba can best be arrived at through discussion with his physician.

If return is agreed upon, substantial conservatism in initial dive profiles seems prudent.

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

Best regards.

DocVikingo

 

[Toecutter]

I suspect that your actually are referring to infra & supratentorial hematoma. BTW, it appears that you were fortunate. This can be very serious.

The diver with such a history will want to make sure that brain imaging shows good resolution of the hematoma, there are no worrisome signs/symtpoms such as headache, abnormalities of eye movement or muscles, or of cognition or behavior. Once this is achieved, and the diver has the stamina & desire, the decision to return to scuba can best be arrived at through discussion with his physician.

If return is agreed upon, substantial conservatism in initial dive profiles seems prudent.

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

Best regards.

DocVikingo

Thanks for the opinion DocV. I fully agree with the conservatism related to a return to diving. I am sure that I can handle such an approach own my own I just do not have any idea how a recently healed brain mass will react to elevated blood nitrogen levels associated with diving. I figure once I am able to get back to running twenty miles per week without unusual feelings that I will be recovered well enough to begin my reentry back into diving. So far the only change in my behavior has been that I no longer develop an appetite regardless of how long I go without food. A little odd for me but I am maintaining a rigid diet schedule to insure that I am nourished properly.

Thanks again,

Toe