Headache after diving for 2 months?

[Julian55]

So around the end of March I had a 2 week vacation, I did 4 days of diving over a 6 day period and then 2 days later flew to Toronto for a week. During one of those dives(3rd day I believe) I had an issue with sinus squeeze over one eye, it seemed to go away after a little bit and I thought nothing more of it. 2 days later I dove and the sinus issue was gone. Before I flew to Toronto I got a headache and have had one ever since(2 months now) It seems to be around my sinus and temple area. I have been to 4 different doctors and all have told me something different, tension headaches, eye strain but none will consider diving as a culprit. To date I have had blood-tests, which came back with an all clear, eye specialist which came back all clear, dentist, which came back all clear. I have contacted DAN and they don't believe that any of my symptoms are DCI related. I went diving 2 weeks ago and my headaches got worse, I also had minor sinus squeeze in one of the dives. I will be going back to the doctors tomorrow for the 5th time, have any of you had anything like this before?

 

[naclydogg]

So around the end of March I had a 2 week vacation, I did 4 days of diving over a 6 day period and then 2 days later flew to Toronto for a week. During one of those dives(3rd day I believe) I had an issue with sinus squeeze over one eye, it seemed to go away after a little bit and I thought nothing more of it. 2 days later I dove and the sinus issue was gone. Before I flew to Toronto I got a headache and have had one ever since(2 months now) It seems to be around my sinus and temple area. I have been to 4 different doctors and all have told me something different, tension headaches, eye strain but none will consider diving as a culprit. To date I have had blood-tests, which came back with an all clear, eye specialist which came back all clear, dentist, which came back all clear. I have contacted DAN and they don't believe that any of my symptoms are DCI related. I went diving 2 weeks ago and my headaches got worse, I also had minor sinus squeeze in one of the dives. I will be going back to the doctors tomorrow for the 5th time, have any of you had anything like this before?

Yes, I've had that before. Dove too soon after a head cold and got a infection in the sinus. x-ray showed the sinus was filled right up with goop. Had a headache on and off for quite a while after. It took about 8 months to a year before it cleared up altogether.

 

[DaleC]

Hey that's funny, I was going to suggest the same thing. Last year I had a running battle with a sinus infection that never really seemed to go away. It didn't stop me from diving but I suffered many headaches that felt like a pressure/pain behind my eye.
Have you tried a nasal lavage?

 

[Julian55]

yes, it made it 10 times worse, I had x-rays yesterday. Dr figures blocked sinus

 

[jaengel]

Interesting thread. I too have had headache since April diving. I suspect I pushed too hard to clear ears on decent. Developed black eyes about 4 days after last dive which lasted a few days. Since then, I've seen neurologist, cardiologist, ophthalmologist, audiologist, ENT docs for MRI, heart stress bubble test, and various screening. ENT is the only one who suspects sinus/ear issues and is actively treating. Prescribed oral steroids, nasal steroid spray, musinex, sinus irrigation. No real diagnosis yet though. Not much improvement after 3 weeks of meds. Current symptoms: constant pressure behind eyes/temples. Should I be seeing a scuba diving focused medical prof?

 

[Julian55]

I'm going to an ENT doctor in the next 2 weeks. Interestingly I just moved into condo with a pool/spa, after using the pool the headaches got worse. I believe for sure it is a sinus issue, I will update if I find any solutions

 

[leosarmentolp]

Julian, hru? Hope you're doing well.

My name is Leonardo and I've recently started diving (~10 dives so far). Saw a post from you from 12 years ago on this Forum with the exact same problem I'm having right now. 2 months ago I did 2 dives in a day and took a flight the next day (24hrs+ after the last dive). A few days later I ended up with a sinusitis and a mid-ear barotrauma. The weird thing is... I haven't stopped feeling headaches since it started almost 2 months ago (pain is mainly on my temple area, sometimes also on my jaws) and when the pain comes, it's accompanied by dizziness/brain fog feeling. Have been to at least 10 doctors (including ENT), had several tests done (blood, pressure, sugar, MRI, CT etc.) and everything seems fine. Tried at least 2 kinds of treatments and nothing seems to work properly.

Since you've had a similar problem I wonder if you can help me. How did you solve your problem? Did it take a lot to heal?

Regards,
Leo