Headache for hours after running? whats the issue?

david4791

Hi,
I started running in January, going for 5 - 7 km runs x 3 times per week. Im reasonably fit and the run doesn't stress me too much, however, I suffer from bad headaches after running, any expert view on this?

Dave

average_runner

david4791 wrote: »

Hi,
I started running in January, going for 5 - 7 km runs x 3 times per week. Im reasonably fit and the run doesn't stress me too much, however, I suffer from bad headaches after running, any expert view on this?

Dave

What do you take before and after your runs?

david4791

Hi average, I wake at 6am and run on empty stomach for 40 mins, on my return I have pint of water and coffee/toast.

average_runner

david4791 wrote: »

Hi average, I wake at 6am and run on empty stomach for 40 mins, on my return I have pint of water and coffee/toast.

Coffee will dehydrate u. So drink more water the night before and aftetwards.

david4791

Cheers

Rogue Runner

david4791 wrote: »

Hi,
any expert view on this?

A doctors

huskerdu

I agree, I get a headache if I am not hydrated enough before and after running, especially early in the morning.

Serbian

Dehydration is the cause of the vast majority of headaches, but if it persists seek medical advice (sooner rather than later).

BeepBeep67

Mine has a direct correlation with # of minutes spent running / # of family activities disrupted leading to MrsBeepBeep giving me an earful and therefore a headache results

In all serious though - talk to your GP

digger2d2

david4791 wrote: »

Hi,
I started running in January, going for 5 - 7 km runs x 3 times per week. Im reasonably fit and the run doesn't stress me too much, however, I suffer from bad headaches after running, any expert view on this?

Dave

Dave, are you coming home to a nagging wife!?

On a serious note, the charter prevents us giving medical advice but if it was me I'd check it with a Doctor once I'd addressed the hydration issue.

Edit.... Just saw beepbeep's post above and I guess we're thinking along the same lines

david4791

Yeah, bit of the wife thing too.

Water must be the issue, will try more hydration and see how it goes

seamus

Run first thing in the morning on an empty stomach with just water, coffee and toast after? Definitely dehydration and low blood sugar. Drink more water and eat something more carberifically substantial when you get in, like porridge.

david4791

Should I load up on water before the run?
Would low blood sugar give a headache?

grasscutter

go see the GP and explain the situation

seamus

david4791 wrote: »

Should I load up on water before the run?
Would low blood sugar give a headache?

I wouldn't "load up" on water before a run. A pint of water in itself isn't actually that great, the majority of it goes through you and out the other end without being used by your body. Proper hydration involves consistent ingestion of small amounts of water rather than a pint of it 20 minutes before exertion.
So that's sipping on water basically all day. Something that I'm really bad at.

Dehydration and low blood sugar are the unholy duo of headaches, they're the primary reason why you have a headache after a night on the beer. Your body has all sorts of mechanisms in place to manage your blood sugar levels, but when you go out for a run first thing in the morning after fasting all night, it may struggle to keep blood sugar levels stable, which you're exacerbating then by providing basically no food to it after the run.

Like others have said, try to get your hydration under control, eat a proper breakfast after your run and if the headaches persist get yourself to a doctor. for blood tests.

wrstan

david4791 wrote: »

the wife thing

Something tells me you're headache is going to get a lot worse if she see's you referring to her in those endearing terms

TFBubendorfer

david4791 wrote: »

Should I load up on water before the run?

I don't "load up" on water before I go running in the morning, but I do have a glass or two. Definitely try that, especially since dehydration may well be your problem,

david4791 wrote: »

Would low blood sugar give a headache?

A quick google search says yes, though I find that very surprising. I run every morning on an empty stomach, including long runs that are supposed to deplete my sugar levels, and have yet to experience any headaches. I think low blood sugar is unlikely to be your problem - not that I have any medical qualifications.

PVincent

Could also be a mechanical issue. The way you are carrying your head and shoulders may be an issue if you are tense in that area.
I would have some doubt about hydration on a shortish run of 7k

Oops69

Hi all, 'exertional headache' is a medically recognised syndrome, google it for more information, please don't presume it is due to dehydration/ hypoglycaemia etc. , please see a Gp who may be able to reassure you following an appropriate history , medical examination and referral for investigation if considered necessary
I am medically qualified and am giving this as general information in reply to this thread rather than as a consultation

I understand the charter says people should not seek medical advice , I believe this may be an example why this is a rule

Best of luck with your running

TFBubendorfer

To be fair, people said go to the doctor if hydration does not help. But I do accept your point.

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