Dizzines during & after workout/exercise

[yazz30]

Hi all. For the last few (at least 10) years, I experience severe to extreme dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, disoriantetion etc. often followed by mild headache, within seconds of starting any exercice and lasting hours afterwards. Despite that, I started gym a month ago. I started weightlifting with a warmup and I'm fine then. Mild cardio is OK too. I tried more intense cardio with warmup and a slow finish but symptoms came back. But I wanna try to be able to do HIIT exercices.

Medical history:
Severe and chronic anxiety and stress disorders with mild depresion lasting for 15 years. Taking medication for it.
-Did ECG, stress test, echocardiogram and all showed heart normality.
-Saw a neuro did 2 CT scans which also were normal.
-Blood work is normal

I also get these symptoms when I do fast head movement. If I had to shake my head a lot or if got a medium blow in my face I think I'd faint. It all feels mostly of the back of my head. Was way worse when I smoked.

I consume a lot of caffeine.
Yesterday I had some of these symptoms before workout and I went to check my BP which was 150/95. I'm 30 yo.

If anyone can advice on how to minimise these symptoms I'd appreciate it

[Celldweller]

I used to have the exact same problem. It took a while for them to correct, but they slowly dissipated with time and correction.

Firsly, make sure you are eating enough calories and carbohydrates throughout your day. I'm not sure of your exercise expertise level, but carbs are the fuel to your work out (good carbs that is, not eating a box of Oreo's).

Secondly, drink a LOT of water. I can't over emphasize this enough. People drink two 16 oz. glasses before their work out to satiate them for 6 hours prior to a work out, and don't drink ANY water, or enough water during and after a work out.

You should drink at least 40 - 50 oz. of water, 30 minutes to 60 minutes before you work out, drink a sip of ROOM TEMPERATURE water every five minutes during your work out, then perhaps get a protein shake in after your work out.

Most people think they are hydrating enough when they are getting 1/4th of the needed value. Hope this helps, that's all I needed to do. And I worked out through anxiety for a year so I know how you feel, and I've been there.

[Dr Clay]

Though drinking ample water and reducing caffeine intake is great advice, I would highly recommend seeing a doc... or another doc, until you find the solution.

You may get some decent advice on here, but I doubt a neurovascular specialist will chime in and answer your question. He or she would need to examine you anyway.

Best,

[Celldweller]

I agree with Dr. Clay and I apologize in advance for not bringing that up. It could most certainly be more complex than the basics.

I also forgot to add that it could be high blood pressure, or your blood pressure could even be too low. Working out is a science. There is a WHOLE lot more to it then picking up a weight and doing a compound movement.