Insidious C. 

Well into my ride last Thursday I had to stop due to a sudden dizzy spell. The pace was moderate but well within my limits. Anyone else ever had this experience? I'm due for a physical anyway and I'll be sure to mention it.

StanSeven

Dehydration, bonking, generall lack of nutrican, anxiety, cold/sinus/inner ear conjestion, and hyperventilation are some of the benign reasons. Unless it occurs again, I wouldn't worry.

Did you see Jason Day in the golf tournament fall over with vertigo? Doctors couldn't find the cause. He's gone on to win many tournaments since.

But it's good to see the doctor about it.

canklecat

Could be all kinds of things, so do consult with a doctor.

My dizzy spells can come from a variety of problems, but I'm familiar with all of 'em and can usually recognize the causes:

• Pinched nerve and artery in my neck from a damaged C2 vertebrae. No mistaking this one, because it's usually accompanied by severe pain and, if ignored, a spike in blood pressure. That's why I'll probably never be able to ride drop handlebars again, but can manage fairly upright bars.
  The last time it happened was while riding was on a narrow bridge as another cyclist was approaching quickly. I turned my head too quickly to check traffic around me and pinched that nerve. As soon as I felt dizzy I swerved right to avoid colliding with the oncoming cyclist, and bumped along the bridge fence until I flopped into the grass on the other side. Embarrassing, but nobody was injured. I just laughed at myself for being a klutz.
  
• Migraine onset -- it's part of the aura the precedes a migraine. Not usually severe, but combined with the visual cues and other symptoms I know the drill. These happen infrequently as I've learned to avoid the triggers.
• Low blood sugar. As long as I eat properly and don't overdo it with sugary stuff I'm fine. I always take bananas to snack on during rides in case I bonk from blood sugar. These are predictable because I know when I haven't eaten properly.

revchuck 

I've had that happen to me in the past. In my case, it was due to dehydration. I've since upped my fluid intake to a 24 oz. bottle every 45 minutes to an hour and it hasn't happened since. I drink water until the weather turns warm, then add electrolyte tabs. It's warming up in Louisiana, so I'll be going to the Nuun tablets soon.

volosong

Absolutely! Talk to the expert. In my case, low blood sugar is usually the cause of dizziness/light headedness. Something us diabetics need to watch out for. On a long ride, eat about at least a hundred calories every hour.

VNA

Go see your doctor--there is none here to give you advice!

Crewchief911

I had the same experience my last ride. I was on my way back from where i started and had to get off the bike. I was lightheaded and nauseous. I realized while i was sitting down that i had neglected to eat all day, it had got a little warmer, and I hadn't drank much water. Over heated, dehydrated, and an empty stomach, plus pushing it a little harder than usual, it was a wonder i got as far as i did. I had also neglected to take along something to snack on during the ride. The worst part is , like most of us, I know better than that. That was a feeling I won't want to experience again.

rumrunn6

missed a day of work this year due to what I self diagnosed as vertigo. got up one morning and went about my mornign routine, breakfast shower, chores, got dressed, etc. felt dizzy, it didn't go away. stayed in bed or the couch all day. felt better later on. never happened before and hasn't happened again. thanks for reminding me about it - got a physical coming up in a few weeks

Daspydyr 

With dehydration comes loss of important minerals in your system. I used to have a serious post ride problem with dizziness. I had a number of doctor ordered tests. Inner ear, heart, lungs the whole system. At our age it is always good to look these things over. COSTCO came out with a Product that I have been using that has helped a TON.

It is called FitBiz. It is loaded with B vitamins and minerals. It ha helped me immensely. I think it is worth a look.

Blanchje

Get checked. I was having issues starting a couple years ago. First focus was hydration. Follow up discovered I have a left bundle branch block. That has resulted in lowered heart function. I'm now scheduled for a pacemaker in a month. Long term should be no restrictions. Listen to your body.

MickeyMaguire

There are times when my blood pressure meds cause a little dizziness.

jppe

Had you just reached down for your water bottle and raised back up by chance?

Gerryattrick

I've got no helpful suggestions, just an anomaly in my own slight inner-ear/vertigo problem.

When walking or running I frequently get slight dizzy or out-of-balance feelings, nothing to make me overly concerned, and not worth going to the doc about, but definitely noticeable.

When on the bike, whether short or long distances, fast or slow, I never get these feelings at all. Perhaps it is because of the jarring effect of taking steps, which we obviously don't get while cycling.

As the saying goes: old age doesn't come by itself.

DiabloScott

I did this. They gave me a brain scan, a cardiogram, and a cardio-monitor thing I wore for a week... didn't find anything strange and it's mostly gone now but not zero.

HAMMER MAN

I've had the same problem, however my rides kept getting worse and worse. On a day I didn't go ride I started with angina went to the hospital and was told it was unstable angina . I was transferred to the VA, had a catherization done and was told I have micro vascular heart disease. So now I'm on Lipitor and increase in my bp mess. All is good now

Carbonfiberboy 

Besides the stuff mentioned above, a very good possibility for the OP and other dizzy posters is BPPV: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) | Vestibular Disorders Association
Diagnosis: https://www.thebsa.org.uk/wp-content/...2014/04/HM.pdf
Treatment: https://www.activator.com/wp-content...20Handouts.pdf

If you happen to assist a sufferer with the Hallpike test, nystagmus is pretty funny the first time you see it. Reminded me of Mr. Toad's eyes in the old Disney Wind in the Willows film. Nystagmus

Rollfast

Low blood pressure is another possibility. Are you taking medications? Get on the phone and mention this, do not wait for an appointment as there are a lot of things it could be, none of which are normal.

qcpmsame 

Its far off, and probably not what you are dealing with, but the orthostatic hypotension (extreme low blood pressure dizziness) was one of the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease that led me to seek a neurologist for conclusive evaluation and diagnosis. That, along with the swallowing issues, are for me, the most annoying and troubling symptoms I have to deal with on a daily basis.

Bill

Insidious C. 

Hey guys thanks for all the suggestions. My doc has left for parts unknown but I have an appointment with my new doc in a few weeks. The clinic informed me I haven't been in for six years.

It's been in the back of my mind that I'm not really sure what caused a crash I had two years ago. I suppose it's possible it was a similar event.