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...