Vertebral Artery Dissection w/ blood clot and exercise. Weight lifting okay?

[Hazel"z]

I fell a few weeks ago and after terrible headaches had an MRI.  MRI revealed a vertebral artery dissection and a 3" blood clot going from C2 to C6.  I'm on Coumadin and still experiencing terrible headaches.  My Neurologist said I should not lift any weights or strain myself in any way.  I was wondering if using light weights and doing light aerobics would be okay?  I am used to working out 5 days a week and performing at a pretty challenging pace.  Now I've been allowed to only walk - no weights.  I've managed to actually lose some weight, but worried it might be muscle - even though my scales show the same percentage of body fat.  Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. ~Hazel~

[CKCCKC]

Hi -- I too was / am? a very active person before my VAD diagnosis.

I was getting headaches after weightlifting and then had an episode of memory loss which led to MRIs and my VAD diagnosis.

My current neurologist said that I would probably never left weights again... But that just does not make a lot of sense to me.  Overall strength should always be a good thing, right?

Furthermore, they told me that running -- even trail running -- as well as skiing is just fine...  Again, I just don't quite understand the whys of what they are allowing.

I am looking for a new neurologist to either adequately explain why I shouldn't lift weights or give me guidelines for lifting safely.

I am sorry I don't have any answers to your questions...  But responded since... it is indeed generally true that misery loves company....

[Tyler King]

hey!

<a href="http://www.online-health-source.info/General-Health/Understanding-Blood-Clots/">Understanding-Blood-Clots</a> might help answer some questions you have.

Good luck and be safe!

[Med Help]

Please note that this is a patient-to-patient forum only.  Because your question has to do with a Neurological issue, we suggest you post your question in our free Neurology Forum, where Neurologists from the Cleveland Clinic will see it and reply.

Wishing you all the best,

Med Help International