Greetings from East Java. Concussion and diving

[Malangboy]

Last weekend my son experienced a concussion injury from a head clash playing basketball. Next weekend, 2 weeks after the injury, we were planning on travelling to Komodo and diving. He has had a MRI and the neurologist said there is no sign of injury, but warned he may some swelling and that he should avoid sports where possible repeat head injuries could occur for the 3 months. He is symptom free.

Should we cancel the plans to dive and just snorkel and enjoy the more shallow reefs?

Unfortunately we can not cancel or postpone the trip.

 

[Lehmann108]

Snorkel and let that brain totally heal. Dive another day at the earliest after 6 months. Don't rush it.

 

[BatRay]

Your son's injury is unfortunate, but it's better to be safe than sorry. I'm sure the snorkeling will be amazing.

 

[Mr. X]

What exactly do you mean by "diving" - SCUBA/competitive freediving/spearfishing?

I am with the others, I would not risk my son's life. Surface snorkeling with others keeping an eye on him (& able to rescue him if necessary) sounds like a reasonable option to me but...

Any concerns about flying (pressure changes)? I believe they pressurize planes to some specific height above sea-level (6000-8000 feet apparently: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabin_pressurization )? Staying well hydrated helps with altitude tolerance (& is generally recommended when flying & diving).

 

[John B Griffith Jr]

This may seem obvious, but I would recommend contacting DAN (Diver's Alert Network), and asking their medical staff. http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/

 

[Stephan Whelan]

Hi @Malangboy - just as @John B Griffith Jr says please contact DAN for medical advice. Do not take any medical advice from the internet and seek proper medical advice.

 

[Malangboy]

Thanks everyone. You confirmed my own thoughts. We've returned from Flores. We limited ourselves to snorkeling and sightseeing. Even the snorkeling was spectacular. We are PADI advanced open water divers, and although disappointed not to dive in the Komodo National Marine Park, we thoroughly enjoyed the great shallow reefs and waterfalls and look forward to returning to dive with the mantas and other great sealift in the area. I already read through DAN articles.

My son enjoyed himself too and had a great attitude about the change in program. He is recovering well.

I recommend Flores and diving Komodo, it truly is fantastic and the sealife and environment is amazingly healthy and abundant.

Thanks for your replies.