Vertigo after diving

[Silkie]

On two occasions I have suffered quite severe vertigo after diving and would like to know what causes this. I suspect it is something going on inside the middle ear but not sure what or why this has happened.

I have dived several hundred times in my life with no ill effects at depths up to 55 metres, although that was a long time ago. I am now 56 and don't go deeper than 40 metres.

As I say this has happened twice within the last year, both times after 35 metre dives in Stoney Cove. One was not a deco dive and the other was but only just. All stops were carried out and ascent was correct. According to the computers I wear, there was no problem on either dives. I have suffered no other ill effects.

What happens is, maybe a couple of hours after the completion of the dive, the head suddenly spins and then I have difficulty balancing and feel sick, the overall sensation is very similar to sea sickness.

The first time I got this it cleared after a 3 or 4 hours, the second time it persisted for several days although it was slowly inproving over this time.

Any idea's other than go and see you doctor.

Best

Silkie

[Finless]

Ideas? Yes. One would assume it is an ear thing as that is where the primary vertigo bits hold on for dear life saying "get me down".

The only time I have suffered this was with a block descending and a reverse block when I ascended to try and ease the problem. Any ear clearing probs? Slight ear infection? Perforated ear drum?

Would water in your ears after a dive cause this ..... have you tried Swim Ear or equivalent?

Maybe a minor DCI problem?

Sadly I can only advise the Diving Doc (as you have already stated). There is (was) a Sticky Thread in the Diving Med bit which gives a link (with phone number) to a DDR place in London where you are 'welcome' to phone up and speak to the diving doc - must be worth a call.

Hope you get it resolved to your satisfaction.

[Finless]

http://www.yorkshire-divers.co.uk/fo...ad.php?t=14232