Diving headache (DH) is a rare secondary headache classified under the International Classification of Headache Disorders, third edition (ICHD-3) as a disorder of homeostasis. It may result from physiological imbalances such as hypercapnia, barotrauma, decompression illness, or the triggering of pre-existing migraine. DH remains poorly characterized due to its heterogeneous clinical presentation and low incidence. DH typically presents during or after diving, with bilateral or localized pain of variable intensity and duration. Common triggers include CO₂ retention, sinus or middle ear barotrauma, cervical tension, anxiety, and environmental stress. The condition often affects individuals with a prior history of primary headaches, particularly migraine. No individual case is presented due to the absence of a consistent clinical pattern. Instead, a prospective observational study conducted in 2013 with 50 recreational divers (without migraine) revealed no post-dive headache within 24 hours, despite frequent pre-dive anxiety and motion sickness medication use. This supports the view that diving does not trigger headache in healthy individuals under controlled conditions. Retrospective data from Divers Alert Network (DAN) International (2001–2009) confirmed low absolute and relative frequencies of DH, with a decreasing trend over the years. The prevalence remained significantly lower than the general population’s rates of headaches. This may reflect underreporting or self-selection among divers, particularly migraineurs avoiding deep dives. DH is uncommon and multifactorial. In healthy individuals following diving safety protocols, it does not appear to be an independent cause of headache. Individualized assessment and proper pre-dive evaluation remain essential, especially for those with known headache disorders.

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Diving Headache

  • Juliana Ramos de Andrade,
  • Marcos Antônio Inácio de Oliveira Filho,
  • Marcelo Valença

摘要

Diving headache (DH) is a rare secondary headache classified under the International Classification of Headache Disorders, third edition (ICHD-3) as a disorder of homeostasis. It may result from physiological imbalances such as hypercapnia, barotrauma, decompression illness, or the triggering of pre-existing migraine. DH remains poorly characterized due to its heterogeneous clinical presentation and low incidence. DH typically presents during or after diving, with bilateral or localized pain of variable intensity and duration. Common triggers include CO₂ retention, sinus or middle ear barotrauma, cervical tension, anxiety, and environmental stress. The condition often affects individuals with a prior history of primary headaches, particularly migraine. No individual case is presented due to the absence of a consistent clinical pattern. Instead, a prospective observational study conducted in 2013 with 50 recreational divers (without migraine) revealed no post-dive headache within 24 hours, despite frequent pre-dive anxiety and motion sickness medication use. This supports the view that diving does not trigger headache in healthy individuals under controlled conditions. Retrospective data from Divers Alert Network (DAN) International (2001–2009) confirmed low absolute and relative frequencies of DH, with a decreasing trend over the years. The prevalence remained significantly lower than the general population’s rates of headaches. This may reflect underreporting or self-selection among divers, particularly migraineurs avoiding deep dives. DH is uncommon and multifactorial. In healthy individuals following diving safety protocols, it does not appear to be an independent cause of headache. Individualized assessment and proper pre-dive evaluation remain essential, especially for those with known headache disorders.