What are the common symptoms of dizziness. How can you differentiate between lightheadedness and vertigo. What are the potential causes of dizziness. When should you seek medical attention for dizziness. How is dizziness diagnosed and treated. What lifestyle changes can help prevent or manage dizziness. Are there any serious underlying conditions associated with dizziness.

Decoding Dizziness: Lightheadedness vs. Vertigo

Dizziness is a complex symptom that can manifest in different ways. Understanding the distinction between its two primary forms is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment:

• Lightheadedness: A sensation of feeling faint or unsteady
• Vertigo: A false sense of motion or spinning, either of oneself or the surrounding environment

While both fall under the umbrella term of dizziness, they often have different underlying causes and require distinct approaches to management.

Characteristics of Lightheadedness

Lightheadedness typically occurs when there’s a temporary decrease in blood flow to the brain. This can happen due to various factors:

• Sudden drops in blood pressure
• Dehydration from illness or excessive heat
• Rapid position changes, especially in older adults
• Certain medications or medical conditions

Defining Vertigo

Vertigo, on the other hand, is often associated with inner ear problems. It creates a distinct sensation of movement or spinning, even when stationary. Common causes of vertigo include:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
• Labyrinthitis
• Meniere’s disease
• Vestibular neuritis

Unraveling the Causes of Dizziness

Dizziness can stem from a wide array of factors, ranging from benign to potentially serious. Identifying the root cause is essential for effective treatment. Here are some common culprits:

Circulatory Issues

Problems with blood flow can lead to dizziness, particularly lightheadedness. These may include:

• Orthostatic hypotension (sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing)
• Anemia
• Heart arrhythmias
• Atherosclerosis

Neurological Conditions

Certain neurological disorders can disrupt balance and spatial awareness, resulting in dizziness:

• Migraine headaches
• Multiple sclerosis
• Brain tumors
• Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)

Vestibular System Disorders

The vestibular system in the inner ear plays a crucial role in maintaining balance. Disorders affecting this system often lead to vertigo:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
• Vestibular neuritis
• Meniere’s disease
• Acoustic neuroma

Medications and Substances

Certain medications and substances can induce dizziness as a side effect:

• Antihypertensives
• Antidepressants
• Sedatives
• Alcohol
• Caffeine

Recognizing Red Flags: When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

While most cases of dizziness are not life-threatening, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical evaluation. These include:

• Sudden, severe headache
• Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Sudden vision changes
• Weakness or numbness in limbs
• Loss of consciousness
• High fever accompanied by stiff neck

If you experience any of these symptoms alongside dizziness, it’s crucial to seek emergency medical care promptly.

Diagnostic Approaches for Dizziness

Determining the underlying cause of dizziness often requires a comprehensive evaluation. Healthcare providers may employ various diagnostic tools and techniques:

Medical History and Physical Examination

A thorough review of your medical history and a physical exam are typically the first steps. Your doctor may ask questions about:

• The nature and duration of your symptoms
• Any triggers or associated symptoms
• Your medication list
• Recent illnesses or injuries

Vestibular Function Tests

These tests assess the function of your inner ear and its connections to your brain:

• Electronystagmography (ENG) or Videonystagmography (VNG)
• Rotary chair testing
• Posturography

Imaging Studies

In some cases, imaging tests may be necessary to rule out structural abnormalities:

• CT scan
• MRI
• Angiography

Blood Tests

Blood work can help identify underlying conditions that may contribute to dizziness:

• Complete blood count (CBC) to check for anemia
• Glucose levels to assess for diabetes
• Thyroid function tests

Treatment Strategies for Dizziness

The treatment approach for dizziness depends on its underlying cause. Here are some common strategies:

Medications

Various medications can help alleviate dizziness and its associated symptoms:

• Antihistamines for vertigo and motion sickness
• Anti-nausea medications
• Diuretics for Meniere’s disease
• Migraine medications for vestibular migraines

Vestibular Rehabilitation

This specialized form of physical therapy can help improve balance and reduce dizziness associated with inner ear problems. Exercises may include:

• Gaze stabilization exercises
• Balance training
• Habituation exercises

Canalith Repositioning Procedures

For BPPV, specific head movements can help relocate displaced inner ear crystals, alleviating vertigo symptoms. The most common procedure is the Epley maneuver.

Lifestyle Modifications

Simple changes in daily habits can often help manage dizziness:

• Staying hydrated
• Avoiding sudden movements
• Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques

Prevention Strategies: Minimizing Dizziness Episodes

While not all cases of dizziness can be prevented, certain measures can help reduce their frequency and severity:

Maintaining Proper Hydration

Adequate fluid intake is crucial for maintaining blood volume and preventing orthostatic hypotension. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day, and increase intake during hot weather or physical activity.

Practicing Good Sleep Hygiene

Quality sleep is essential for overall health and can help prevent dizziness associated with fatigue. Establish a consistent sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine.

Regular Exercise

Physical activity can improve circulation, balance, and overall health. Incorporate activities like walking, swimming, or tai chi into your routine. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise program.

Mindful Eating

A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can support overall health and potentially reduce dizziness. Focus on:

• Whole grains
• Lean proteins
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Healthy fats like those found in nuts and avocados

Stress Management

Chronic stress can contribute to dizziness and exacerbate existing conditions. Implement stress-reduction techniques such as:

• Meditation
• Deep breathing exercises
• Yoga
• Progressive muscle relaxation

Long-term Management: Living with Chronic Dizziness

For individuals dealing with persistent or recurrent dizziness, developing a comprehensive management plan is crucial. This may involve:

Regular Medical Follow-ups

Consistent check-ins with your healthcare provider can help monitor your condition and adjust treatment as needed. Keep a symptom diary to track patterns and potential triggers.

Adaptive Strategies

Learning to adapt your environment and daily activities can significantly improve quality of life:

• Installing handrails or grab bars in the home
• Using a cane or walker for added stability
• Avoiding triggers like certain head movements or visual stimuli

Support Groups

Connecting with others who experience chronic dizziness can provide emotional support and practical tips for managing the condition. Look for local or online support groups specific to your diagnosis.

Complementary Therapies

Some individuals find relief through alternative approaches, although scientific evidence may be limited:

• Acupuncture
• Herbal supplements (always consult with a healthcare provider before use)
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety related to dizziness

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Dizziness Management

The field of vestibular science is constantly evolving, with ongoing research aimed at improving diagnosis and treatment of dizziness-related disorders:

Advanced Diagnostic Tools

Researchers are developing more sophisticated diagnostic techniques, including:

• Virtual reality-based balance assessment
• Advanced imaging techniques for visualizing inner ear structures
• Genetic testing for hereditary vestibular disorders

Novel Treatment Approaches

Innovative therapies on the horizon include:

• Vestibular implants for severe balance disorders
• Gene therapy for certain inherited vestibular conditions
• Targeted drug delivery systems for inner ear disorders

Personalized Medicine

The future of dizziness management may involve tailored treatment plans based on an individual’s genetic profile, lifestyle factors, and specific symptom patterns.

As research progresses, individuals experiencing dizziness can look forward to more precise diagnoses and increasingly effective treatment options. Staying informed about these advancements and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers will be key to optimizing management strategies and improving quality of life for those affected by dizziness-related conditions.

Dizziness: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

Dizziness is a term that is often used to describe 2 different symptoms: lightheadedness and vertigo.

Lightheadedness is a feeling that you might faint.

Vertigo is a feeling that you are spinning or moving, or that the world is spinning around you. Vertigo-associated disorders is a related topic.

Most causes of dizziness are not serious, and they either quickly get better on their own or are easy to treat.

Lightheadedness occurs when your brain does not get enough blood. This may occur if:

• You have a sudden drop in blood pressure.
• Your body does not have enough water (is dehydrated) because of vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or other conditions.
• You get up too quickly after sitting or lying down (this is more common in older people).

Lightheadedness may also occur if you have the flu, low blood sugar, a cold, or allergies.

More serious conditions that can lead to lightheadedness include:

• Heart problems, such as a heart attack or abnormal heart beat
• Stroke
• Bleeding inside the body
• Shock (extreme drop in blood pressure)

If any of these serious disorders are present, you will usually also have symptoms like chest pain, a feeling of a racing heart, loss of speech, change in vision, or other symptoms.

Vertigo may be due to:

• Benign positional vertigo, a spinning feeling that occurs when you move your head
• Labyrinthitis, a viral infection of the inner ear that usually follows a cold or flu
• Meniere disease, a common inner ear problem

Other causes of lightheadedness or vertigo may include:

• Use of certain medicines
• Stroke
• Multiple sclerosis
• Seizures
• Brain tumor
• Bleeding in the brain

If you tend to get lightheaded when you stand up:

• Avoid sudden changes in posture.
• Get up from a lying position slowly, and stay seated for a few moments before standing.
• When standing, make sure you have something to hold on to.

If you have vertigo, the following tips can help prevent your symptoms from becoming worse:

• Keep still and rest when symptoms occur.
• Avoid sudden movements or position changes.
• Slowly increase activity.
• You may need a cane or other help walking when you have a loss of balance during a vertigo attack.
• Avoid bright lights, TV, and reading during vertigo attacks because they may make symptoms worse.

Avoid activities such as driving, operating heavy machinery, and climbing until 1 week after your symptoms disappear. A sudden dizzy spell during these activities can be dangerous.

Call your local emergency number (such as 911) or go to an emergency room if you are dizzy and have:

• A head injury
• Fever over 101°F (38.3°C), headache, or very stiff neck
• Seizures
• Trouble keeping fluids down
• Chest pain
• Irregular heart rate (heart is skipping beats)
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness
• Inability to move an arm or leg
• Change in vision or speech
• Fainting and loss of alertness for more than a few minutes

Call your health care provider for an appointment if you have:

• Dizziness for the first time
• New or worsening symptoms
• Dizziness after taking medicine
• Hearing loss

Your provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history and symptoms, including:

• When did your dizziness begin?
• Does your dizziness occur when you move?
• What other symptoms occur when you feel dizzy?
• Are you always dizzy or does the dizziness come and go?
• How long does the dizziness last?
• Were you sick with a cold, flu, or other illness before the dizziness began?
• Do you have a lot of stress or anxiety?

Tests that may be done include:

• Blood pressure reading
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Hearing tests
• Balance testing (ENG)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Your provider may prescribe medicines to help you feel better, including:

• Antihistamines
• Sedatives
• Anti-nausea medicine

Surgery may be needed if you have Meniere disease.

Lightheadedness – dizzy; Loss of balance; Vertigo

• Carotid stenosis – X-ray of the left artery
• Carotid stenosis – X-ray of the right artery
• Vertigo
• Balance receptors

Baloh RW, Jen JC. Hearing and equilibrium. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 428.

Chang AK. Dizziness and vertigo. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 16.

Muncie HL, Sirmans SM, James E. Dizziness: approach to evaluation and management. Am Fam Physician. 2017;95(3):154-162. PMID: 28145669 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28145669/.

Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A. D.A.M. Editorial team.

Why am I dizzy? 10 causes

Dizziness refers to a range of sensations, such as feeling as though the room is spinning, lightheadedness, and feeling physically unsteady. Dizziness has many possible causes, which may relate to a person’s external environment, the medications they take, or an underlying condition.

Recurring dizziness or severe dizzy spells can significantly interfere with a person’s life. It rarely indicates a medical emergency, however. People can experience dizziness after:

• spinning around quickly
• standing or sitting up too fast
• engaging in high-intensity exercise

Usually, people will be able to identify the cause of their dizziness. However, this symptom may occur unexpectedly or without any clear reason.

The causes of dizziness can range from temporary physical changes to more serious underlying medical conditions, some of which we will detail below.

Many people use the terms “vertigo” and “dizziness” interchangeably.

Although these conditions create similar sensations, they are slightly different.

When someone feels dizzy, they can feel woozy or disoriented. Vertigo, on the other hand, refers to the artificial sensation of movement. Vertigo can cause people to feel as though the environment around them is spinning or tilting.

Vertigo occurs due to the development of problems in the inner ear. Causes of vertigo can include:

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo develops when calcium carbonate particles collect in the inner ear canals.

These canals send information about the body’s position and movements to the brain, but the presence of the calcium particles causes the brain to misread the information.

Ménière’s disease

This inner ear condition has no known cause, but some scientists believe that it can occur when fluid builds up in the ear canals.

Ménière’s disease can develop suddenly and without any apparent cause. It can give rise to vertigo, a ringing or roaring sound in the ears, and hearing loss.

Labyrinthitis

Infections can cause inflammation in the inner ear, or labyrinth. Labyrinthitis tends to develop after a viral infection, such as a cold or flu.

Antiviral and antihistamine medications can effectively treat labyrinthitis. However, parts of the inner ear may sustain permanent damage as a result of this condition.

Repetitive motion from being in a vehicle, such as a car, airplane, or boat, can disrupt the structures of the inner ear, causing dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. People call this “motion sickness” or “seasickness.”

Being pregnant or taking certain medications can increase a person’s sensitivity to motion and increase their risk of experiencing motion sickness. The symptoms of motion sickness usually subside away once the person sets foot on solid ground.

A migraine is a type of recurring headache that can cause a throbbing or pulsing pain on one side of the head. The American Migraine Foundation estimate that 30–50% of people will experience dizziness during a migraine episode.

Sometimes, people experience dizziness before the onset of a migraine episode. Other neurologic symptoms, or auras, can precede the pain of a migraine headache. Auras can affect a person’s vision, speech, and motor control.

A sharp drop in blood pressure can cause a brief sensation of lightheadedness. Blood pressure changes can occur after sitting or standing up too quickly.

Other conditions that can cause blood pressure changes include:

• dehydration
• blood loss
• severe allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis
• pregnancy

Taking certain medications, such as diuretics, beta-blockers, or antidepressants, can also cause changes in blood pressure.

Conditions that affect the cardiovascular system, such as the buildup of plaque in the arteries and congestive heart failure, can cause dizziness. People may experience dizziness or feel lightheaded before or after a heart attack or stroke.

If a person has cardiovascular disease, they will likely experience other signs and symptoms, including:

• irregular heartbeat
• shortness of breath
• discomfort or tightness in the chest
• a persistent cough
• excess fluid in the arms, legs, or feet
• fatigue
• nausea, vomiting, or both

Share on PinterestEating a diet rich in iron can reduce the symptoms of anemia.

Iron deficiency can result in a condition called anemia, in which the body does not have enough oxygen-rich blood.

Anemia can cause the following symptoms:

• dizziness
• shortness of breath
• chest pain
• fatigue

Making appropriate dietary changes and taking iron supplements can help treat mild forms of iron-deficiency anemia. People who have a severe iron deficiency may require a blood transfusion.

Hypoglycemia occurs when blood glucose, or blood sugar, falls below the normal levels. Causes of hypoglycemia include:

• skipping meals
• consuming alcohol
• taking certain medications, such as insulin or aspirin
• having hormonal imbalances

Symptoms of hypoglycemia can appear suddenly and vary in severity. A few of these symptoms include:

• dizziness or lightheadedness
• loss of balance
• fatigue
• headache
• hunger
• mood changes
• difficulty concentrating
• irregular heartbeat

Autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED) refers to any condition wherein the immune system mistakenly attacks the inner ear. AIED can cause hearing loss in one or both ears.

Other symptoms of AIED include:

• dizziness
• tinnitus, or ringing in the ears
• loss of balance or coordination

AIED causes nonspecific symptoms that are similar to those of an ear infection. For doctors to accurately diagnose AIED, they need to take a full medical history, perform a physical examination, and track any additional symptoms.

People who have AIED may develop another autoimmune disease that affects the entire body.

Share on PinterestStress and anxiety are common symptoms of dizziness.

Long-term or chronic stress may contribute to the development of significant health problems, such as depression, anxiety, heart disease, diabetes, or immune dysfunction.

During the stress response, the brain releases hormones that affect the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

These hormones narrow the blood vessels, raise the heart rate, and cause rapid, shallow breathing. These responses can lead to dizziness or lightheadedness.

Other symptoms of stress include:

• sweating
• trembling or shaking
• headaches
• chest pain
• rapid heartbeat
• difficulty sleeping
• difficulty concentrating
• nausea

Dizziness is a common symptom of anxiety. However, the exact relationship between the two varies among people.

Some people may experience anxiety attacks that trigger dizziness, while others might have a sudden onset of dizziness that triggers an anxiety attack.

Stressful events, such as an exam or a challenging emotional situation, can trigger anxiety attacks. People may feel dizzy, disoriented, and nauseous during an anxiety attack.

Other symptoms of anxiety include:

• worry
• restlessness or fidgeting
• difficulty concentrating
• sleep problems
• mood changes
• irritability
• rapid heart rate
• headache
• sweating
• dry mouth

Dizziness may indicate a more serious underlying medical condition when it occurs alongside symptoms such as:

• double vision
• vomiting
• fever
• numbness
• difficulty moving or controlling the arms or legs
• headache
• chest pain
• loss of consciousness

Experiencing an episode of sudden or severe dizziness can be alarming. However, the dizziness usually resolves on its own and does not require emergency medical attention.

Dizziness is a nonspecific symptom that can indicate an underlying medical condition, such as anxiety, stress, or low blood sugar.

People should speak with their healthcare provider if they experience severe or recurring dizziness.

An elderly person is dizzy – what to do?

Signs of dizziness

Dizziness in old age has its own characteristics. To notice the approach of an attack, you need to know the signs indicating vertigo (dizziness):

• Unexpected vomiting.
• Unsteady gait.
• Weakness, shortness of breath.
• Strong desire to lie down or sit down.
• Sweat on forehead.

Pathologies such as:

• Migraines.
• Vegetovascular dystonia.
• Some viral and infectious diseases.
• Thyroid dysfunction.
• Hypertension.
• Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
• Diabetes mellitus.

The effectiveness of treating vertigo in older people depends on the cause and how quickly the diagnosis is made.

Additional signs of dizziness

If the dizziness is episodic, then this should not be a cause for concern. However, with periodic attacks or the manifestation of certain pathological conditions, it is recommended to undergo a medical examination, and, if necessary, treatment.

Signs indicating urgent treatment for vertigo:

• Sudden weakness.
• Lack of appetite for more than a day.
• Blurred image before the eyes.
• Noise and hum in the ears.
• Low (below 55 bpm) or high (above 100 bpm) pulse.
• Coldness in lower and upper limbs.
• Unclear speech.
• Jumps in blood pressure.

The appearance of at least one of these signs indicates the presence of a serious problem and serves as a reason to see a competent specialist. After the examination, the doctor will prescribe a course of treatment and other measures that contribute to a speedy recovery.

Intense dizziness

Vertigo can be of varying degrees of intensity. In addition to changes in health status, sudden intense dizziness may be due to some external factors. In this case, therapy is not required – it is enough to change habits and lifestyle.

Factors provoking dizziness in the elderly:

• Strong physical exertion. Often, older people are fond of gardening and growing vegetables. Most often this happens during a period of heat, which is the cause of weakness, overwork and, as a result, intense dizziness.
• Insufficient rest.
• Getting up suddenly from a chair, bed, etc.
• Driving at high speed (motion sickness).

Also one of the causes of vertigo in women is menopause. The reason lies in certain hormonal changes occurring at this time.

How to help an older person who is dizzy

To help prevent someone from falling when they are dizzy, do the following:

• Help him get to bed and lay him on his back.
• If the limbs of an elderly person are cold, warm them with slow warming movements.
• Apply a cold water compress to the forehead.
• Allow air to enter by opening the window.
• Give a mug of warm sweet tea to drink.
• If an older person is taking medication for vertigo, it should be taken.

In some cases, dizziness can be relieved by inhaling ammonia fumes.

Non-drug treatments for dizziness and preventive measures

In addition to medicines prescribed by a specialist, the following effective treatments will come to the rescue:

• Massage (special treatment and rehabilitation course).
• exercise therapy.
• Classes in the pool (under the guidance of a coach).
• Aromatherapy.

To prevent vertigo in the elderly, here are some tips to follow:

• Take medication prescribed by your doctor.
• Do not leave the house on an empty stomach.
• Cancel walks in extreme heat or extremely cold temperatures.
• Do not take long walks unaccompanied.

The following are effective measures to prevent dizziness:

• Good sleep. In old age, night sleep should be 9-10 hours. If this is not enough, experts recommend an additional daytime sleep of at least 1-2 hours. The room before going to bed should be well ventilated.
• Balanced nutrition. Eating is an important part of the daily routine of an elderly person. Meals should be regular, preferably at the same hours, and fruits and vegetables must be included in the diet.
• Spend as much time outdoors as possible. Hiking, Nordic walking, swimming in the pool are useful.
• Drink enough water (at least 1.5-2 liters per day).
• Stop drinking alcohol and smoking.
• Eliminate psycho-emotional stress, stress and factors that provoke them.

Taking care of your health can help you avoid medication for dizziness. Regular monitoring and examinations will help avoid dangerous symptoms and prolong a high quality of life for many years.

• Signs of Alzheimer’s disease in the elderly

  Every year, the number of elderly patients who suffer from the symptoms of age-related dementia…

  onwards

• What to do if an elderly person’s hands are shaking?

  Elderly people rarely boast of excellent health. Old people often tremble…

  more

• The beginning of the dementia development process

  Human aging is associated with the passage of a number of irreversible processes in the human body.

  next

Brain MRI for dizziness

Dizziness in the practice of a neurologist is one of the most common complaints. Some medical statistics say that this is the second most common reason for visiting a doctor after a headache. In 90% of cases, if the patient experiences systemic dizziness, the neuropathologist will definitely refer him to magnetic resonance imaging of the head. But what kind of MRI to do with dizziness depends on the symptoms associated with this condition, the medical history and the initial diagnosis. For dizziness, a referral for a CT scan may include:

• Brain MRI
• MRI of cerebral vessels (MR angiography)
• MRI of the brain and neck
• MRI of cerebral and neck vessels
• Comprehensive examination of the head – MRI of the brain and cerebral vessels
• MRI of the cervical spine.

What is dizziness

In medicine, dizziness has its own simple and clear classification and is divided into:

• systemic dizziness
• non-systemic dizziness.

Some physicians do not consider non-systemic dizziness as a symptom, but refer it to a subjective sensation of a person, which in reality is difficult to describe and classify. Systemic vertigo is a sensation of rotation of space around a person or a sensation of rotation of the person himself. In this case, such dizziness has an axial orientation. It goes in one plane: from left to right or from top to bottom. Dizziness can also be peripheral and central. Peripheral dizziness is associated with damage to the vestibular apparatus associated with the inner ear, labyrinth, and other structures related to the ENT organs. Such dizziness in practice is more common, and an otolaryngologist is involved in its treatment. Central vertigo comes from damage to the nerve pathways and structures of the brain. There are quite a few reasons for this – from stroke, multiple sclerosis to traumatic effects and tumors, and a neurologist understands the pathogenesis of this disease.

FREE
DIAGNOSIS CONSULTATION

If in doubt, book a free consultation.
Or consult by phone

+7 (812) 209-00-79

Telephone

Head MRI for dizziness

As a rule, if you experience dizziness, it can be either a simple reaction of the body to a change in the weather, or a manifestation of a much more formidable disease. To make sure that there is nothing to worry about, it is best to visit a neurologist or do a basic MRI of the brain yourself and, based on its results, if necessary, make an appointment with a doctor. There are many diseases of the brain. With all the variety of pathological changes, there are general patterns in the development of the disease, due to the physiology of the nervous tissue and the course of typical inflammatory processes. The task of magnetic resonance diagnostics of the brain, based on data on structural changes, is to draw a conclusion in favor of a specific disease, as well as to identify the causes of its occurrence, build a prognosis and determine the method of treatment depending on the stage, form and possible complications. The process of magnetic resonance has great diagnostic capabilities, on the basis of which a magnetic resonance tomograph is designed. Its work is based on changing the behavior of water molecules in a magnetic field. As you know, the water molecule is in all the internal structures of a person from blood to bones. Water is made up of oxygen and hydrogen atoms. The hydrogen nucleus has a mechanical momentum and, due to the fact that it is a charged particle, it can produce an electromagnetic field. The tomograph captures these signals, digitizes and builds accurate three-dimensional images of the area under study. Then the obtained tomograms are interpreted by the radiologist, who in his conclusion describes all the detected anomalies and deviations. Magnetic resonance imaging is especially effective in diagnosing most brain pathologies, since the brain is a liquid medium saturated with hydrogen molecules. And this means that the resonant effect during a tomographic examination of the head will be strong, and MRI images will be very clear and informative.

Diagnostic Limitations

Because the MR unit is essentially a large magnet, it has all the physical properties of a magnet, namely to attract metal. Therefore, entering the diagnostic room, where the tomograph is located, with metal on the body or on the body is prohibited. For example, your metal coins, watches, glasses, jewelry will easily pop out of your pocket and firmly stick to the casing of the device. The power of the magnetic field of the tomograph can even move metal shifts, plates, staples, prostheses in the human body. And this threatens with internal bleeding. Another feature of the magnetic field is the ability to disable any electronic devices. Therefore, if your phone, tablet, watch and other gadgets are dear to you, it is best to leave them in the room to prepare for the examination. For the same reason, MRI examinations are not done for people with built-in life support devices (pacemakers, insulin pumps, ear prostheses). Sometimes the emotional state and excitement of the patient can cause an ineffective examination. In order to obtain high-quality MRI images, the patient must remain still during the scan. If severe pain or bouts of claustrophobia can interfere with this, you should take painkillers and sedatives in advance.

Dizziness after MRI

If a person suffers from panic attacks due to a phobia, after an MRI, as a reaction to stress, he may experience dizziness. It should be said right away that magnetic resonance imaging itself is a harmless diagnostic. The magnetic field of the tomograph does not cause any pain and cannot cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness after an MRI, it is most likely caused by:

• an emotional reaction in case of claustrophobia and fear of enclosed spaces
• reaction to the introduction of a contrast agent, if MRI of the brain was performed with contrast.

If you experience dizziness during or after an MRI, there is no need to panic, just inform the radiologist and you will be treated. In the vast majority of cases, simple sedatives and quiet rest will solve all problems.

Where is an MRI of the brain done for dizziness – addresses of clinics in St. Petersburg

MC NDC-SPb on Entuziastov

Call

MC OHA for Veterans

Call

MC NDC on Obvodny

Call

MC RIORIT Rustaveli

Call

MC Health Workshop on Lesnaya

Call

MTS T. O.P.

Call

Children’s City Hospital No. 1

Call

St. Petersburg GBUZ KDDC

Call

MC MedHelp 24

Call

MC REMSI Diagnostics on Gorkovskaya

Call

MC MAGNET

Call

Diagnostic center Standard MRI on Ladozhskaya

Call

MC MART

Call

MTs AMI 16 line VO

Call

MRI Center Petrogradsky

Call

MC ENERGO on Leninsky

Call

MC ENERGO on Engels

Call

MC MRI-Expert

Call

MC NDC Lakhta

Call

MC Scandinavia on Narodnaya

Call

List of primary sources

1. Dicke M.R., Hood J. Vertigo M.: Medicine. – 1987.
2. Fedin A.I. Vertigo in neurological practice. / Materials of the scientific and practical conference “Dizziness: modern aspects of diagnosis and therapy” – M.: – 1999
3. Bogdanov E.I. Vascular vertigo: vestibular syndrome in cerebrovascular diseases. Guide for doctors. – Kazan, 2012. -S. 22-29.
4. Zabarova A.T. Clinical and magnetic resonance liquorodynamic study of “communicating” cavities of the spinal cord: (abstracts). /A.T. Zabarova, E.I. Bogdanov, I.M. Mikhailov // Proceedings of the IX All-Russian Congress of Neurologists. – Yaroslavl, 2006. – S. 31.
5. Dizziness / Ed. M.R. Dixa, D.D. Hood. – M .: Medgiz, 1989. – 480 p.
6. Isakova E.V., Romanova M.V., Kotov S.V. Differential diagnosis of the symptom of “dizziness” in patients with cerebral stroke. // Russian Medical Journal. 2014. V. 22. No. 16. S. 1200-1205.
7. Zabarova A.T. Headache with “tight” posterior cranial fossa: clinical-MRI-morphometric study. / A.T. Zabarova, E.I. Bogdanov // Neurological journal. – 2010. – No. 6. – S. 21-26.
8. Neretin V.Ya., Yakushin M.A., Isaev V.M., Yakushina T.N. Dizziness (differential diagnosis and treatment). // Almanac of Clinical Medicine. —2001. -No. 4. -S. 238-246.
9. Krupina N.E. Multifactorial nature of Chiari type I malformation. / NOT. Krupin, V.M. Beloded, E.G. Shirokova et al. // Journal of Neurology and Psychiatry. – 2002. – No. 2. – S. 23-26.
10. Choi JH, Oh EH, Park MG, et al. Early MRI-negative posterior circulation stroke presenting as acute dizziness. J Neurol. 2018;265(12):2993-3000.
11. Akoglu EU, Akoglu H, Cimilli Ozturk T, et al. Predictors of false negative diffusion-weighted MRI in clinically suspected central cause of vertigo. Am J Emerge Med. 2018;36(4):615-619.
12. Ward B, Zee D. Dizziness and Vertigo during MRI. N Engl J Med. 2016;375(21):e44. doi:10.1056

Share:

Useful information

CT and MRI of cerebral vessels

CT and MRI of the cerebral vessels are the two most highly informative types of angiography, which make it possible to accurately diagnose most of the vascular pathologies. What’s going on in my head is much more interesting than what’s going on outside of me. Perhaps, many radiologists will readily agree with this phrase of the English poet John Wilmot. Headaches, hearing and speech disorders, weakness, worsening

read more +

brain MRI

MRI of the brain is a well-proven and reliable diagnostic method, which is based on the properties of the magnetic field and is characterized by increased information content and accuracy. The essence of the method lies in the fact that under the influence of radiomagnetic pulses in human organs, response wave signals arise, which are converted into images in several directions using a tomograph computer.

read more +

MRI of cerebral vessels

Cerebral MRI is a diagnostic tool that examines the patient’s vasculature using a special magnetic resonance imaging scanner to identify specific anomalies, blood clots, ruptures, aneurysms, hematomas, and other pathologies.