Vertigo

[Koots]

Hello. My wife and I dove for the first time via a resort course in Cozumel last year (we both loved it). This year we decided to get certified. We just recently completed our SDI class (I waited to buy our gear until just before the OW dives, and I'm glad I did - learned alot).

Our OW dives were in Joliet, IL (SW of Chicago). We both vowed this was the last time we'd wear a 7mm suit, hood, etc. Too cold for us babies. My wife's not a good swimmer and she was very nervous. She did absolutely great though. I felt very confident and was looking forward to the OW portion of the class as I thought I did pretty well in the pool.

1st dive from shore, I had problems clearing my left ear (it's always rung since I was a kid, also have some tinnitus- being a drummer has contributed to this I'm sure). Had some pain. Looking back, I think I may have over-done the equalization at that point - really trying hard.

All fine until our ascent (I was on my wife's octopus). VERTIGO! I never experienced this before, it terrified me. Once on land, it felt like my ears didn't quite clear, felt the "start" of the spinning sensation periodically (still do several days later). Happened again on dive two, this time only two feet from surfacing.

Dive three next day, open water descent, I could'nt do it as the vertigo came back every time I tried to descend. I've been told it could be from the hood, cold water, and my allergies, and that I probably won't experience this in warm water.

I'm planning on seeing an ENT doc (who's also a diver). Can anyone recommend a good one in the Chicago area? Also, has anyone had a similar experience? Now I'm very nervous, and almost ready to cash it in. My fear is vertigo at 50' and I'll do something irrational. If I get the o.k. from the doc (and I can overcome this fear), my plan is to complete dives three and four in Cozumel.

 

[Drew Sailbum]

Alternobaric vertigo is a fancy way of saying that you can experience vertigo if one ear equalizes and the other doesn't. The ears experience different pressures resulting in an upset to your balance and a sense of vertigo and or spinning. It is fairly common.

An ENT may be able to help you find an a physical cause which could be treated. Drugs, surgery, or just some time may be needed for your situation to improve. Only an exam by a medical professional can help you evaluate what is appropraite in your case.

 

[polkster13]

If you are not a member of DAN, then join immediately. They have doctors on staff that can answer your medical questions relating to diving. I wouldn't go diving anywhere until you have this cleared up. Do you have vertigo in a swimming pool at 13 to 15 foot depth while on scuba (no hood)? When you are wearing a hood, you need to have water in your outer ear so it doesn't cause a squeeze on your eardrum. As long as your estuisian (sp?) tube is clear, you should be able to equalize your ear. If you have fluid buildup inside your middle ear, that is going to cause you problems while diving. Go see an ENT specialist as soon as possible and have them check your ears throughly. Also, have them check and make sure you do not have a rupture of the outer eardrum or a bruised eardrum. If it is ruptured, your diving days may be over. If it is only bruised, then it might take up to 6 months before it heals (that was my case when I tried to dive with a head cold and bruised my eardrum) so you might want to sit it out until next year before trying to dive again. If there is sufficient damage to your ear that cannot be corrected, you may not be able to dive at all and you might have to be content with just snorkeling. I hope this helps, but please go see an ENT specialist before attempting to dive again.

 

[Koots]

Thank you for your replies!

How would I go about joining Dan?

Our classroom pool was only 5' deep so I didn't have any problems.

Forgot to mention that on the third dive I didn't wear the hood (just a cap) and still experienced the vertigo.

 

[polkster13]

Go to http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/ and follow the appropriate links. You can ask them questions even if you are not a member, BUT if you continue to dive, it will be the best investment you will ever make.

Can you find a pool that is heated and deeper than 10 feet deep? If so, AND after you see an ENT specialist, then try diving in the pool and see if you have the same problems.

Let us know how it goes and the best of luck to you.

 

[Koots]

Hello, I Went to an ENT, no ear damage. He told me to take care of allergies before diving. I've been taking Clariton D. Dove in a 13' pool w/ my instructor. I've discovered that the vertigo occurs only when I ascend too quickly. I kept my eye on my computer while ascending, and lo & behold I was coming up too fast!!!

Since it takes me awhile to equalize I need to take my time on descent. The instructor showed me a few tricks as well to help w/ the process. Interesting, if I've got no line to hang onto while ascending, and the vertigo occurs, he showed me how to "hug" myself- it really helped speed the passing of the vertigo. Plus being able to see in clear water (vs. 1' visability in the quarry) helps I'm sure.

My wife, my father, and myself and leaving for Cozumel on Wednesday. I'm looking forward to finishing my O.W. dives and then exploring.

Does anyone have any recommended dive sites? We're staying at the Grand Occidental.

Thanks.

 

[ealim]

Hi Drew!

Thanks for your info re: vertigo. I suffered one a day after my last dive. Am diving in warm waters (Subic Bay, Phils.). Now, I'll have to find an ENT to consult about my situation.

 

[landlocked]

I have the same situation. I have one ear that just equalizes faster than the other. It always has. If I ascend anything other than slow, I get vertigo. At first this bothered me until I figured out what it was. Since then I have expermented a little in the pool. The vertigo appears only when I am ascending faster than about 30ft/min. So it becomes a built in meter. Quite convienent actually. Also I have discovered, that if I need to ascend a little faster, I can. Even though I get dizzy, by understanding that the effect is temporary and that it really isn't bad enough to totally confuse me, I am able to simply focus on what I am doing and ignore the symtoms for the short period of time it takes for the slow ear to catch up. Have fun.

 

[heliflyer]

Koots,
My wife and I and sister-in-law stayed at the Grand a couple of years ago,they have a dive shop on site.Juan was are dive master and was very gracious(sp) and well informed on all the sites to see.We had a great time.It also was our first time in the ocean,awesome,for a small extra fee most shops will have a DM stay with you on your first dive or two untill you feel comfortable.
You will have a great time,I'm jealous.But we will be back there in August though not at the Grand Ocedental.Have fun and give us a report when you get back.
Lanny

 

[Firefyter]

You will have a great time,I'm jealous.But we will be back there in August though not at the Grand Ocedental.Have fun and give us a report when you get back.
Lanny

Seeing as how this thread is 2½ years old, his trip report may have already been posted