Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Self-reported headache during saturation diving
1Norwegian Underwater Intervention (NUI) A/S, Bergen, Norway. martin.englund@ort.lu.se
Introduction:
Some commercial divers have claimed that headache is a frequent symptom related to decompression following a saturation dive, but due to lack of systematic reporting there is limited knowledge of the incidence and clinical characteristics of such headaches.
Methods:
During 2001, a questionnaire was distributed to divers participating in offshore saturation diving operations on the Norwegian continental shelf. Two major diving contractors participated. The survey allowed anonymous self-reporting of past and present problems with headache; pain intensity was indicated daily on a visual analog scale (VAS) from 0 to 10. Of 95 divers, 56 participated and 67 saturations were registered.
Results:
The divers estimated a higher frequency of headaches in connection to saturation diving than in everyday life (p < 0.001). One third of the divers reported experiencing headache after they finished decompression. There was a significant increase in reports of headache on the last day of decompression (p = 0.03) and on the first day post-saturation (p < 0.001) compared with the start of decompression. Median headache duration was 6 h (range 1-84 h) and median pain score estimated on a VAS was 2.5 (range 0.1-7.8), equivalent to moderate intensity.
Conclusions:
Headache incidence is greater in divers during saturation diving than in everyday life. The increase is correlated to the last phase of decompression and the post-saturation period. No specific cause(s) of the headache could be identified, but we discuss possible explanations.
Related Concept Videos
Alterations in Respiration II
In Biot's breathing, the respiratory rate and depth are irregular, alternating between periods of deep gasping and apnea. Common causes include...
Hyperpnea and Hyperventilation
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration can...
Acute Respiratory Failure-IV
Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction
Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology

