blacking out after running

[Bodhidogma]

a friend of mine returned home from a run this weekend (she ran about 15k) and told me she didn't feel too well. she said she was feeling dizzy and i could see it in her eyes that she didn't look good. then all of a sudden she put her arms around me, her face turned white, and she went limp and started to convulse! i freaked, gently laid her on the floor, and she came to a few seconds later and was very sketchy. she said it has happened twice before, but she didnt think much of it.

any idea what might have caused this? dehydration? blood sugar levels?

just curious.

 

[fallenangel]

I have no idea but i'd get her to see a doctor and maybe cut down the cardio as well

 

[guards]

Was she running on an empty stomache?


She may have just over-exerted herself.

 

[john937]

Sounds like what happened to a friend.
We got her to the first aid tent and they gave her salt tablets and lots of water.
You lose a lot of salt and electrolytes in the sweat.

 

[Longhorn85]

sounds like she needs to replenish carbs as she runs with gel packs or something like that. Definitely needs to see a doc

 

[Bodhidogma]

yeah - she was running on an empty stomach actually.

perhaps, as mentioned, those carb-filled gel packs would do the trick.

 

[KHMER ROGUE]

It sounds like a case of hyponatremia (loss of salt in one's body) Is she doing alright now? That seems odd to me because you said it has happened to her before. Is she properly training for the running events? I'd suggest she does her research on proper nutrition and training. Maybe she started out on longer distance events too quickly? 15K is nearly 10 miles.

For more information on hyponatremia, here is the link: http://www.rice.edu/~jenky/sports/salt.html

Keep in mind, you don't have to be an ultraendurance athlete to experience a case of hyponatremia. Weather can also play a factor.

 

[The Shadow]

a friend of mine returned home from a run this weekend (she ran about 15k) and told me she didn't feel too well. she said she was feeling dizzy and i could see it in her eyes that she didn't look good. then all of a sudden she put her arms around me, her face turned white, and she went limp and started to convulse! i freaked, gently laid her on the floor, and she came to a few seconds later and was very sketchy. she said it has happened twice before, but she didnt think much of it.

any idea what might have caused this? dehydration? blood sugar levels?

just curious.

Dehydration with severe loss of electrolytes and possbily a sever drop in blood sugar - both could account for the convulsions.

 

[KHMER ROGUE]

One more thing,

Maybe this should be moved to "Professional and Collegiate Sports Board"? I'm sure he will receive more helpful suggestions and advice from several endurance athletes who frequently posts over there.

 

[Bodhidogma]

KHMER ROGUE - thanks for the link, i will check it out.

physically, she is in great shape. she has been running for years now and 15k is a joke, however i dont think her nutrition is where it should be and this is probably the reason behind the episode.

thanks everyone for your input.