Dizzy Spells at 90'

[Dan G]

I am not sure if this is posted in the correct forum, so if it needs to be moved, I understand.

A couple of times I have had a single dizzy spell early into a dive. (the first 10 minutes) Both occured while I was under something. One occured in a swim through at about 90' that was about 15-20' long. The other was on a wreck dive when we went under a flat deck at about 110-120' into an almost pitch black environment for a short while.

Both times the dizzy spell passed in less than a minute- perhaps even less than 30 seconds- and the rest of the dive, as well as all subsequent dives that day/ week were uneventful. Could this be nerves early on in a dive? Could how I am breathing prompt this? Is it a touch of narcosis that passes?


Thoughts?

[knotical]

You'd likely get more attention from the medical experts on the board in the diving medicine forum at: Diving Medicine

Were these the only occasions in which you swam under something as you describe? Or have you had many similar dives, but without the symptom? Or ... ?

Also, "dizzy" is sometimes used to mean different things. Did you feel a sensation of spinning? Or did you feel light-headed? Or ... ?

[TSandM]

It sounds as though both events share a characteristic, which is markedly reduced visual reference. It is known that divers in those conditions (or in blue water ascents, which also reduce visual reference) can be susceptible to vertigo or spatial disorientation. I am unfortunately extremely familiar with the problem, and it can range from a mild feeling of confusion about my orientation in the water (where is UP?) to full-fledged, whirling vertigo. It resolves quickly with the acquisition of any reference that makes sense, visual or proprioceptive.

If the feeling wasn't one of disorientation or spinning, but was more of a lightheaded, about-to-faint feeling, it would be more likely to be related to inefficient breathing patterns or elevated work of breathing at depth. But there wouldn't be any particular reason why that would occur in dark environments, unless they make you nervous.

[ajduplessis]

Dizzy spells is not something to be taken lightly if you scuba. I would want to speak to a diving doctor and have it checked out!

[CamG]

Greetings Dan G as TSandM has mentioned I have suffered from vertigo numerous times but mostly on ascents when I look up and the sun on the water glare creates a prism.
I think the change of position of my head / light reflection / triggers my symptoms.
Good horizontal position and staying in trim has all but eliminated it except for when allergies flare up.
If I dive occasionally with a little congestion it complicates my vertigo and it is likely to be a part of every dive but as you have shared it lasts no more than 30-50 seconds.

Unpleasant but manageable and when I shared with my ENT he offered the same advice he always gives me.
It is always worth getting a professional opinion and I would encourage you to do so.
It is always a good idea to know your physiology and the way if pertains to your dive goals.
Good luck and dive safe!

CamG Keep Diving....Keep Training....Keep Learning!

[lakediverdoug]

I just finished a rescue course and commented to my instructor about dizzy spells in the first few minutes of a dive. He's been diving 40 plus years and said it' more than likely a form of vertigo. I only notice it in lakes and when I don't follow a shore line down. If I just drop or follow an anchor line down when I bottom out I'm dizzy. The solution according to my instructor is to focus on my dive computer for about 30 seconds and double check the equalization of my ears. That and slow down my descents. It seems to have worked as I haven't had any more spells.

[Bombay High]

It sounds as though both events share a characteristic, which is markedly reduced visual reference. It is known that divers in those conditions (or in blue water ascents, which also reduce visual reference) can be susceptible to vertigo or spatial disorientation. I am unfortunately extremely familiar with the problem, and it can range from a mild feeling of confusion about my orientation in the water (where is UP?) to full-fledged, whirling vertigo. It resolves quickly with the acquisition of any reference that makes sense, visual or proprioceptive.

If the feeling wasn't one of disorientation or spinning, but was more of a lightheaded, about-to-faint feeling, it would be more likely to be related to inefficient breathing patterns or elevated work of breathing at depth. But there wouldn't be any particular reason why that would occur in dark environments, unless they make you nervous.

I think thats about as spot on as you are going to get for an online analysis. Your dizzy spells seem to be brought on by loss of visual reference. Talk to an instructor / mentor to help you overcome this.

[Dan G]

Lots to think about. I can definitely see it being caused by my decent. I think I try to do too much on the way down rather than just relax, equalize, get bouyant and check on buddy.

[sambolino44]

I think TSandM probably had a good analysis of your situation. The lack of a visual reference can make you dizzy.

I've experienced dizziness a few times, but in my case I think it was most likely caused by my ears not being both in the same state of pressure; in other words, one ear clearing more readily than the other. It was never so much that my ears felt much pressure, but I understand that a very slight difference from one ear to the other can sometimes make you dizzy.

[Dan G]

I think TSandM probably had a good analysis of your situation. The lack of a visual reference can make you dizzy.

I've experienced dizziness a few times, but in my case I think it was most likely caused by my ears not being both in the same state of pressure; in other words, one ear clearing more readily than the other. It was never so much that my ears felt much pressure, but I understand that a very slight difference from one ear to the other can sometimes make you dizzy.

This makes perfect sense, because I do have some ear issues. I am always able to clear them, but I have to be really diligent about it, occasionally having to accend a few feet during decent, so I can clear if I've missed a clearing opportunity.

I have been known to get inner ear infections- which puts me in the 1: 100,000 category of people over the age of about 15 who get inner ear infections according to my ENT. He couldn't believe actually meeting an adult who got them in his 30 yrs of practice. (most adults only get outer ear infections-- aka 'swimmer's ear')

So, this all leads me to believe that since this dizziness is rare and fleeting it is associate with my ears. I am just going to have to get better at making equalization and my buddy my only two priorities until I level off. I bet I am just trying to do too much and not relaxing enough during decent, which distracts me from equalizing often enough.

Is it a reasonable idea to consider not dumping 100% of my BCD air on the surface, so I decend slower? Or am I just going to be fighting my BCD part way down if I do that?