Headache After Skydiving

[paulpelican]

I went skydiving for the first time last week and noticed that I had developed a headache immediately afterwards.  I didn't think much of it at the time, but it's now a week later and it hasn't gotten any better.  I had my neck and back adjusted a couple days ago by my chriopractor to see if that might help, but no dice.  It seems to start about a half hour after I wake up and lasts all day.  It's nothing like a migraine, just a constant dull pain that seems to be centered around the top left side of my head, although I feel it in different spots all over throughout the day.  I'm going to give it until over the weeked so see if it improves before I begrudgingly see another doctor, but I thought that I'd see if anyone might be able to enlighten me in the meantime.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
Thank you for your update. It is good that you are feeling better already. The itchy scalp could be due to a fungal infection, and may not be directly from the headaches. This usually responds well to over-the-counter antifungal shampoo/medications. Do update us if if you see you attending. Take care always.

[paulpelican]

It's appraoaching two weeks now and my headache has gotten a little better.  I'd say that it is now about 70% of what it was last week.  I don't have any other symptoms, although I have had an itchy scalp for the past week.  I still haven't been to a doctor.  I figure I'll give it another day or two to see if it continues to improve.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? Are there other symptoms present?  If there was no trauma during the skydiving activity, this could just be a primary headache such as tension headache or exertion headache. Rest, ice packs and analgesics may help provide relief. However, I also recommend that you have this checked by your doctor for proper evaluation. Take care and do keep us posted.

[allmymarbles]

Could you have jarred your head? That is, did your brain bang against your skull. You have heard about baby shaking I am sure. Look into it.

[caregiver222]

I meant an MRI and an MRA.

[caregiver222]

I have done a lot of skydiving over the years.

The run-of-the-mill skydiver jumps at less than 1500 foot, and there is no reason that altitude should cause any problems.

I used to do HALO jumps (High Altitude Low Opening) and there might be a problem there.

Even at altitudes to 10,000 feet there should be no reason to develop a headache.

The other possibility is a bad landing and bumping your head on somthing.

I suspect your problem probably has nothing to do with the skydiving, but simply started when you happened to be jumping.


I would seek a neurologist and try to get both an MRI and an MRI if the problem persists.