Running and symptoms

[DavidF]

I'm almost 3 months post radiosurgery for AN.   I notice that symptoms flare up when I run.  In particular, the tinnitus becomes louder especially after stopping, and happens regularly.  The second symptom just happened recently with clicking sounds from that ear as I'm running.  It's almost as if the AN were bouncing around.  Could all the bouncing from running cause irritation to the AN? 

[opp2]

Hi David,

I believe it is the increase in blood pressure and heart rate that causes the symptom flare ups you are experiencing. I also suffered from increased symptoms before my surgery, while conducting any kind of work out, to the point where I was down to very light work outs in the two to three weeks prior.

I am 14 months post op (today!) and I now experience increased tinnitus when I run, and my left eye (surgery side) will tear a great deal when I work out or run. It does not 'cry' though or tear up for onions etc. The AN has a blood supply as do the nerves it is on and near. I had clicking, buzzing, moaning, whistling and whining on my left side for about 3 months after surgery.

Your AN may be more sensitive now that it has been treated. It could be swollen, which would restrict the blood flow to the nerves around it. It's a pretty tight space in there and your an is pressing on all kinds of nerves and vessels.

The caveat to all this is, I am not a doctor, but I have read a great deal on these forums, and have worked out for years. I have come to  believe in the correlation of the symptoms and the increase of bp and hr..

All the best in your recovery...

Nikki

[PaulW]

I can't find anything officially documented anywhere, but its certainly been a theory that when you exercise your blood pressure increases (that part is a fact). A small AN squeezes nerves and restricts blood flow to the cochlear, and the nerves

The extra blood pressure allows extra blood to flow past the blockage caused by the AN in the Internal Auditory Canal
So when you exercise extra blood gets to the cochlear and the nerves, and as a result gives a "different sensation"
(Normally dizziness, tinnitus and balance issues) The excercise is good for you but can make you feel pretty lowsy.
Any change to these nerves good or bad, seems to cause symptoms.

I used to have this problem too for the first 9 months... I dont get the problems like I used to when I exercise anymore.

[Barb909]

I am W & W with a small AN and walk a couple of miles every morning before work. I wake up with mild tinnitus, and after walking it is very loud and sometimes throbbing. It also gets worse when I chew. Chewing crunchy things is worse than chewing smooth foods, so I'm not sure if it is the noise or the actual movement of my jaws that irritates the AN and nerve. My ENT said that this is not unusual. It's unfortunate because I don't need another reason to consider not exercising!

Barb