I got the all-clear yesterday which was a relief after a month of being banned from diving and driving. They suspect it was a vaso vagal attack with added syncope (?) as nothing odd came up on the MRI and EEG. Interestingly a technologist and a neurological consultant both referred to what they described as an "infamous" German medical film in which a number of students were made to pass out (by exhaling whilst crouched then standing up really fast and taking a deep breath). A significant number of the test subjects blacked out and had convulsions. Doctors were then shown clips of the convulsing students and were asked to comment on what was happening. Almost all were convinced they were looking at epilepsy and were shocked to be told that it was a syncope / black out episode.
One of the doctors I met knew a bit about freediving and gave me a mini lecture on why human physiology is far inferior to that of aquatic mammals due to x, y & z. He also referred to "a Frenchman" who "we" lost not too long ago to the sport (any clues? Pardon my ignorance.) Amazingly he told me that I had no reason to give-up freediving (as long as I did it safely!)
Still, I feel like I have had a warning as the last place I would like to lose consciousness is in murky UK waters. Apnea course here I come....
TRUX....
That Aspartame info is really sinister stuff. Its not going to pass my lips anytime soon. I have also ditched coffee and feel really good in the mornings now, less edgy.
