Posted by CCF Neurology MD on September 13, 1997 at 01:41:58:

In Reply to: Scuba Diving and Migraines posted by Deb on September 05, 1997 at 17:30:18:

: I have had on-going migraines for approx. a year with little success in treating them. What I'd like to know is:
Is there any risk in Scuba Diving if I am prone to Migraines- Will the water pressure have ill-effects on my head?

The reason I ask is: I took some Scuba lessons (all indoors -in a pool), after that weekend I had an outrageous migraine. Shortly after I also noticed the vision in my left eye is blurred. I don't know if Diving has anything to do with these effects - I've had migraines for a long time before this Diving. But this was about 2 months ago and the vision in my eye isn't better- maybe worse. It's like it's lazy- it takes longer to focus from close up to far away - a friend said it doesn't move in sync. with my other eye. An opthamologist has given me three possibilities: Just a result of the Migraines, A brain tumor, or MS. I go to see a neurologist in a month or so. I'd like to take my Open-Water SCUBA exam soon- but as you can imagine - I'm a little unsure whether it's safe. Also, any ideas on this "lazy" eye thing?
Thanks for your reply - I appreciate this service you provide.

Dear Deb:

Although scuba diving has its own set of possible neurological complications (barotrauma, decompression sickness) which you SHOULD be very familiar with, I do not think it would have any direct ill-effects on migraine or another neurological problem that you may have. I am, however, quite concerned about your lazy eye, and the possibilities that your eye doctor raised do stand. Another I could add is myasthenia gravis, a muscle disease that can begin in the eye. However, if I were you, unless I was really desperate about the scuba diving, I would put it (diving) on hold until my neurological symptom was fully sorted out.
Good luck!