"Effort Migraines" after cycling longer distances

[lisag]

Does anybody else get headaches after riding? I have been getting full blown migraines about 2-3 hours after completing longer rides. The 3 that have happened this year were after the Iron Horse-50 mile hills, Durango 100-mostly flat, Susan Komen Century- hilly. These do not seem to be associated with hydration, voiding at every aid station, nor calorie intake of about 1200 or so. I normally do not get migraines and it is a bummer to be fatiqued but fine after a ride and then get home to relax and eat and end up flat on my back and vomiting. What is up? Does anybody else get these and if so, what do you do to avoid them? I have signed up for this years Fall Blaze another pretty flat century and am scared to death I am going to get another migraine. Yikes, please advise. Thank you, Lisa.

[Cataboo]

Something to read about exercise induced migraines:
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/ma...ticlekey=51909

Are you getting your electrolytes?

The thing I'd say for migraines - is normally it helps to increase the bloodflow to your brain. peppermint tea, caffeine, etc. And do it, take excedrin migraine immediately upon the first sign of a headache...

Since you know when you're probably going to get one... i'd say start pre-treating after the event with caffeine or peppermint or something like that and see if you can stave off the headache...

[ny biker]

Is this only after a big organized ride or does it also happen after long training rides?

I take daily meds to prevent migraines but that's because they were occurring daily. For occasional migraines, that wouldn't be recommended. I sometimes get headaches after a long ride but not migraines.

[tulip]

I don't know anything about migraines, but I do know that I get regular headaches after long rides if I am not properly hydrated. And that usually is the case even when I drink plenty during the ride. It's a struggle for me to remember to drink water throughout the day, every day.

Off to get a glass of water, now.

[7rider]

Does anybody else get headaches after riding? I have been getting full blown migraines about 2-3 hours after completing longer rides. The 3 that have happened this year were after the Iron Horse-50 mile hills, Durango 100-mostly flat, Susan Komen Century- hilly. These do not seem to be associated with hydration, voiding at every aid station, nor calorie intake of about 1200 or so. I normally do not get migraines and it is a bummer to be fatiqued but fine after a ride and then get home to relax and eat and end up flat on my back and vomiting. What is up? Does anybody else get these and if so, what do you do to avoid them? I have signed up for this years Fall Blaze another pretty flat century and am scared to death I am going to get another migraine. Yikes, please advise. Thank you, Lisa.

I get them.
They are MUCH worse for me on hot, summer, strenuous rides.
I find if I take some Vitamin I before the ride (um...that's Ibuprofen), drink plenty of sports drink, eat plenty, and follow up the ride with a high protein drink, a multivitamin, and a good mix of carbs and protein in the form of real food afterwards, combined with a cool shower and a nap, I'm usually good. Oh. And more Vitamin I. I buy that in bulk at Sam's club.
Crud. That sounds like a lot of effort. But basically, that's what works for me.

[gnat23]

When I was getting headaches 30-50miles into a ride, I had a few "duh" moments.

I usually drink tons of coffee in the morning, but I had been skipping it before a long ride because I didn't want to pee. So: caffeine withdrawal. Started doing a shot of espresso and ensuring my first couple of Gu's were caffeinated.

Strange hairdo. In my case, I thought I was being clever with the pigtails. Took off the elastics, and felt my head release. Who knew?

Then, I keep a baggie of Vitamin I and electrolytes with me. I try to take one of each every 50 miles or at the first sign of headache or cramping.

-- gnat (now quite pleasant to be with on a ride!)

[ny biker]

I wonder if too much sun in your eyes/squinting for a long time might also be a cause. I always wear sunglasses, even in the rain, so I don't know.

I agree about the pigtails -- I always wind up loosening my ponytail during a long ride, and sometimes have to loosen my helmet a bit also.

If lisag is only getting them after big event rides but not after long training rides, then stress might be a factor. Changes in sleep and eating schedules can also contribute. I would also look at diet, specifically any foods you eat during the ride that you don't normally eat, since some foods and drinks can trigger migraines. It can also be a combination of triggers.

[ehirsch83]

I used to get them, but it turned out to be for a different reason.
I was getting a pinched nerve in my neck from my fit on the bike and that was causing my migraines.

So another thing to check is your fit!

[lisag]

I pretty much get a bad headache after longer rides of 50 ++ but not the full blown migraine vomiting action. I like the idea to take the Vit. I during the ride instead of just at the start and finish. I asked a Doc to prescribe Celebrex and will try that plus Vit I, and get my butt home or to my massage therapist to work on my neck. Huh, that and the glasses. GREAT IDEAS ! Caffine is pretty much a given during the morning and with all the gels but I never thought of it after I finish. OK, well some stuff to work on. Bye for now and I will see how it goes! Lisa G.