Dizzy after Dive

[ScubaPastor]

I have a question …I am getting back into diving after being gone for over 15 years. I recently made 4 dives between 60 and 100 feet. I am back from Cozumel and I am slightly dizzy. Not all the time, but if I put my head back and look up at the sky I have the room spin. Can anyone shed some light on this for me? Is this normal after not having dove for so long?...Thank you

 

[11x]

sounds like a inner ear thing. maby from the pressure diffrence from the dive and flying?? just a guess

 

[lavachickie]

I have a question …I am getting back into diving after being gone for over 15 years. I recently made 4 dives between 60 and 100 feet. I am back from Cozumel and I am slightly dizzy. Not all the time, but if I put my head back and look up at the sky I have the room spin. Can anyone shed some light on this for me? Is this normal after not having dove for so long?...Thank you

I've not experienced it (fairly new, have done a few dive trips w/ long flights afteward). Certainly could be inner ear related, though.

The short answer: see your doctor. Explain your recent activities. He might refer you to an ear-nose-throat specialist (ENT). If he does, try to locate one that is familiar with "diving medicine."

Or at least one that dives. Makes the appointment more fun.

If you aren't quite ready for the drs office yet...

Any residual ear issues (pressure, muffled hearing, etc.)?

Do you have seasonal allergies? How are they?

Have you ever had this happen before? If so, when, where and why?

You might find the answer therein.

 

[Shinsen]

It's Vertigo. Hopefully just BPPV.
Do you get dizzy when first getting out of bed in the morning?
Does the bed "spin" if you lay on your side or jostle your head?
How 'bout if you close your eyes and look down, like when washing your hair in the shower? This is how it first presented for me.

I had these symproms about 18 months ago (before I took up diving). The doc gave me some exercises to do while sitting on the edge of the bed, but I'm a bad patient and it eventually went away on its own.

Get it checked out though 'cause there are more serious things it could be if your karma sucks.

 

[Louie]

If the symptoms don't go away shortly, it would be a good idea to see the doctor.

I won't attempt to make any diagnosis as I am not a medical expert and the docs and med people on here will do a much better job than I ever will. but thought I'd add something from my experience (coincidentally, it was following a trip to Cozumel).

I couldn't focus my vision and felt very weak during my return trip from a week of diving and for about a week afterwards so I made a visit to my doctor who diagnosed it as severe fatigue resulting from an upset stomach and dehydration (I'd had an ongoing niggle in my stomach and didn't hydrate myself enough). She said it was very common for people who travel away to hot climates and don't drink enough water.

Hopefully, you'll have a prompt diagnosis and it's nothing serious.

 

[TSandM]

Did you spend a lot of time on a boat? I find that even a weekend dive trip can leave me rocking on land for several days, especially if I close my eyes or look up, or otherwise lose visual reference.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi ScubaPastor,

Following up on TSandM's lead, this condition possibly could be the result of what is called "reverse seasickness," "land sickness" or ""mal de debarquement (although technically this latter term refers to a more serious and long-lasting, and sometimes permanent, condition)."

The following DAN item on "land sickness" --> DAN Divers Alert Network : Motion Sickness indicates: " And what about the reverse: sickness on land? It does happen. After you have finished that 10-day "trip of a lifetime" aboard a liveaboard and have stepped onto solid ground, you may suddenly feel funny and maybe even sick. What happened? "Land sickness" occurs when you return to dry land after becoming adapted to an environment in constant motion. Your brain has become accustomed to the new input from increased motion. Suddenly, the motion stops. The abrupt change will promptly produce the same symptoms as originally felt upon going to sea."

Mal de debarquement is discussed here --> MdDS Balance Disorder Foundation

Alternatively, middle or inner ear barotruama or inner ear DCS also can manifest with a similar sensation, but typically involve other symptoms as well, such as impaired hearing, ear discomfort and tinnitus.

It may be wise to consult an ENT if matters don't improve in a day or two.

Regards,

DocVikingo

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.

 

[tomboyy]

Did you spend a lot of time on a boat? I find that even a weekend dive trip can leave me rocking on land for several days, especially if I close my eyes or look up, or otherwise lose visual reference.

Its like that for me when I get off a cruise 1-3 days later it can feel like your rocking...I love it !

 

[PullmanSCUBA]

If it were me I would either call DAN or go see a Doctor. But thats what I would do.