Vertigo??

[dive_lover88]

I just came back from Manado. On the checkout dive,after having clearing some prob with my buddy's reg,we descended again. On the descend,the vist wasnt good and i swore that i felt that the whole place was spinning. I descended quite rapidly and had a bit of equalising problem.

So what i experienced is it vertigo? Did it come about from rapid descend and lack of equalisation?

Can someone shed some light on this?
Thanks
Darren

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Darren,

What is described is properly termed vertigo, a dizzying sensation of whirling or tilting within stable surroundings.

Descents and ascents without adequate equalization indeed can cause vertigo, often accompanied by pain, sometimes excruciating.

Vertigo without other symptoms can result from unequal temperatures across the two ears. This can be caused by blockage of the external canal of one ear, swimming with one ear in the water and the other out, and thermal protection headwear that leaks on one side.

Low vis can predispose to/exacerbate vertigo whatever the cause.

A brief, one-time event of vertigo typically is not of great concern. However, since such an episode u/w can be life-threatening, and can signal damage to the ear, if the vertigo recurs, or is accompanied by lasting dizziness, pain, imbalance or hearing disturbance, one should see an ENT specialist.

Helpful?

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.

Regards,

DocVikingo