Vertigo

[DebSP]

Hi Everyone, I was wondering if anyone had a problem with vertigo after mountain biking? Yesterday my DH and I went out for a day of mountain biking at a place that has groomed trails. They have all different levels of trails. I tried a few that were probably beyond my abilities, lots of roots and drops and rock gardens etc. We rode for about 4 hours on various trails. This morning before I got out of bed I knew I had a problem with vertigo as soon as I woke up. I think it was being shaken, rattled and banged around on my ride yesterday. But it could be just coincidence. Has anyone else ever experienced this. It is not as bad as this morning but I still have a slight sensation of it when I stand up quickly.

[indysteel]

I've had problems with vertigo when I'm more than a little dehydrated? Did you drink enough yesterday?

[DebSP]

Actually, we did get lost for about an hour and we had run out of drinks and needed to get back to the truck to re-stock. At that point I was exhausted and thirsty, I couldn't peddle up the hills and ended up walking my bike at that point. I was worried about dehydration, because I don't know how fast it can come on. Can it happen that quickly?

[indysteel]

I'd say yes, especially if it was hot. But vertigo obviously can be caused by lots of other things. It pays to rehydrate anyway, but see if that helps.

[indysteel]

I should clarify that the dizziness I've experienced from dehydration may not be vertigo per se. I just know that the room sometimes spins around me. I noticed a strong correlation between those episodes and intense and prolonged exertion (like after a long weekend of riding), which potentially caused dehydration.

[Owlie]

Make sure you're getting electrolytes too, especially if it's hot. Hyponatremia can do interesting things to your nervous system...

[CycleTherapy]

I have a friend who experienced dizziness/vertigo and this is what she was diagnosed with... I guess it's not that uncommon. Ear rocks, who'd have thought ?
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103463398

[badgercat]

I'm a doctoral student in audiology and while I'm no expert yet, have done a number of evaluations of dizzy patients (we deal with the whole inner ear system--so that includes balance in addition to hearing). Short episodes of true vertigo (spinning) associated with getting in or out of bed are hallmarks of BPPV (see the link CycleTherapy posted), and I suppose getting really jostled around on a MTB could contribute. Did the spins go away within a few minutes each time?

Regardless, catching up on your hydration and nutrition seems like a very good place to start. Let us know how it goes!

[Eden]

I tend to low blood pressure and I *totally* get dizzy on standing when I'm even a little dehydrated (cause that lowers your blood pressure even more...) You don't have to be severely dehydrated to feel some effects. I wouldn't be surprised if that's what you are noticing.

[DebSP]

I experienced severe dizziness last night when I went to bed! And I had another episode this morning, although I moved a bit slower and it wasn't as bad. I think I will check with my doctor to see if it is BPPV. And I will keep my fluids up for the next few days. I will let you know what the doc says. Thank-you very much for your help, You guys are awesome!

[DebSP]

OK went to the doctors today. Good news is the rocks in my head aren't loose! LOL Bad news is I have a viral inner ear infection. Bummer. Hopefully it will get better in a few days and I will be able to get back out on my bike soon. Because really that is all that matters right? Who cares about being off work! :p

[indysteel]

I'm glad you got it checked out and I hope you feel better soon!

[Catrin]

OK went to the doctors today. Good news is the rocks in my head aren't loose! LOL Bad news is I have a viral inner ear infection. Bummer. Hopefully it will get better in a few days and I will be able to get back out on my bike soon. Because really that is all that matters right? Who cares about being off work! :p

Hope you get over this soon, the important part is that it is being treated :) I hear you about what matters - what is the fun of being off work ifen you can't ride?

:)