Monday, May 28, 2012
Monday, March 21, 2011 NCCPTriathlonCoach asks

Q: dizziness and nausea when running for approx 15-20 mins

I too have been suffering from this bizarre running issue.  I have been running for 11 years I have run 10 full marathons countless half's and 10ks.  Throughout all the training for these runs and on race day I never had any dizziness or nausea.

 

One day, about 14 months ago, I was out for a 12k steady run and I became dizzy around the 3 k point.  The dizziness increased to the point I felt very nausea.  This happens almost every time I run around the 3k point. 

 

Sometimes it is worse then other times.  It will go away after sitting for awhile but there have been 2 or 3 times where ity has lasted 3 or 4 days.  These times I pushed through and ran my training distances of anywhere from 23k to 30k.  Being ill for 3 or 4 days after a long run has taken ALL the enjoyment out of running for me.  So I have stopped running altogether.I don't even go and run short runs now as it just fustrates me and really whats the sense I am going to feel dizzy and ill within 20 mins of beginning.

 

I do bike and swim and these sports do not trigger the dizziness or make me feel nausea.Nothing else makes this happen.  I do not get car sick or experience this when doing anything else but running.

 

I have had a MRI on my brain, EKG, Cardio tests, seen a ear/nose throat specialist, had blood work completed and they say there is nothing wrong.  I am in very good health.

 

No one knows why this is happening when I run.  I wear a heart rate monitor and heart rate is exactly where it should be even when the dizziness is in full swing.

 

The doctor told me to take Gravol when I run which cures the nausea but does nothing for the dizziness. I have been tested for BPPV (I think that was what it was called) and I have been told this is NOT what I have as I don't have it all the time.

 

It seems there is enough of us experiencing this...how can we attract the interest of someone who maybe able to help us?

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Answers (1)
Nancy Harris Bonk, Health Guide
3/26/11 5:47pm

Hi coach....

 

I'm so glad to  hear all your test have come back normal. You haven't mentioned head pain when you get dizzy, do you have any? There is a type of Migraine called Abdominal Migraine you can take a look at in this article: Abdominal Migraine - The Basics. I'm not suggesting that is what you have, just something you can discuss with your doctor.

 

You could also look into Meniere's disease, but that is outside our expertise. Keep trying for an accurate diagnosis, as hard as that is. 

 

Good luck

Nancy

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By NCCPTriathlonCoach— Last Modified: 03/28/11, First Published: 03/21/11