Signs of feeling dizzy. Understanding Dizziness: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

01.05.202309.06.2023 by alexxlab

What are the common causes of dizziness. How can you differentiate between vertigo and disequilibrium. What are the potential treatments for dizziness. When should you seek medical attention for dizziness.

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The Complex Nature of Dizziness: More Than Just Feeling Off-Balance

Dizziness is a multifaceted symptom that can manifest in various ways, often described as feeling lightheaded, woozy, or off-balance. While it’s not a disease in itself, it serves as a warning sign for numerous underlying conditions. Understanding the nuances of dizziness is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Dizziness is intrinsically linked to our sensory organs, particularly the eyes and ears. This connection explains why severe cases of dizziness can sometimes lead to fainting episodes. It’s important to note that while occasional bouts of dizziness are generally not cause for alarm, persistent or recurrent episodes without apparent reason warrant immediate medical attention.

Vertigo vs. Disequilibrium: Understanding the Distinction

When discussing dizziness, it’s essential to differentiate between vertigo and disequilibrium, two distinct sensations often mistaken for general dizziness:

Vertigo: Characterized by a spinning sensation, as if the room is moving around you. It may also feel similar to motion sickness or give the impression of leaning to one side.
Disequilibrium: Defined as a loss of balance or equilibrium, making it difficult to maintain a stable posture.

Both vertigo and disequilibrium can contribute to feelings of dizziness, but understanding their unique characteristics can help in identifying the underlying cause and determining the most appropriate treatment approach.

Common Culprits Behind Dizziness: From Dehydration to Inner Ear Issues

Dizziness can stem from a wide array of causes, ranging from simple lifestyle factors to more complex medical conditions. Here are some of the most common reasons people experience dizziness:

Dehydration: A Leading Cause of Dizziness

One of the most frequent triggers of dizziness is dehydration. When the body loses too much fluid, it can lead to a range of symptoms, including:

Excessive thirst
Dry skin
Lightheadedness
Fatigue

Staying properly hydrated is crucial for maintaining overall health and preventing dizziness episodes. How much water should you drink daily to avoid dehydration-induced dizziness? While individual needs vary, a general guideline is to consume at least 8 glasses (64 ounces) of water per day, adjusting for factors such as climate, physical activity, and overall health.

Inner Ear Disorders: A Common Source of Balance Issues

The inner ear plays a vital role in maintaining balance and spatial orientation. Problems in this area can lead to various forms of dizziness, including:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This condition causes brief episodes of vertigo when changing head positions quickly.
Meniere’s Disease: Characterized by fluid buildup in the inner ear, leading to vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus.
Acoustic Neuroma: A noncancerous tumor on the vestibulocochlear nerve that can affect balance and hearing.

These inner ear disorders often require specialized treatment from an otolaryngologist or neurologist to manage symptoms effectively and improve quality of life.

Medications and Lifestyle Factors: Unexpected Triggers of Dizziness

Sometimes, the very medications meant to improve our health can lead to unwanted side effects, including dizziness. Common culprits include:

Muscle relaxants
Antiepileptic drugs
Antihistamines
Blood pressure medications

If you’re experiencing dizziness and suspect it might be related to your medication, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your regimen.

Lifestyle factors can also contribute to dizziness. For example, consuming alcohol or experiencing a migraine attack can trigger episodes of lightheadedness or vertigo. How can you minimize lifestyle-related dizziness? Consider keeping a diary to track potential triggers and work with your healthcare provider to develop strategies for avoiding or managing these factors.

Cardiovascular Concerns: When Dizziness Signals Heart Problems

In some cases, dizziness can be a symptom of underlying cardiovascular issues. These conditions can affect blood flow to the brain, leading to lightheadedness or fainting:

Sudden Drop in Blood Pressure

Orthostatic hypotension, or a sudden decrease in blood pressure upon standing, can cause dizziness and increase the risk of falls, especially in older adults. What causes orthostatic hypotension? Common factors include dehydration, certain medications, and autonomic nervous system disorders.

Cardiomyopathy and Heart Attack

Cardiomyopathy, a condition where heart muscles become weak or rigid, can lead to reduced blood flow and subsequent dizziness. Similarly, during a heart attack, insufficient blood supply to the brain can cause lightheadedness or dizziness, often accompanying chest pain.

Arrhythmia: When the Heart’s Rhythm Goes Awry

Irregular heartbeats, or arrhythmias, can cause the heart to pump blood less effectively, potentially resulting in dizziness, shortness of breath, or fainting spells. How can you tell if your dizziness might be related to an arrhythmia? Look for accompanying symptoms such as heart palpitations, chest discomfort, or sudden fatigue.

Neurological Conditions and Dizziness: Unraveling the Connection

Several neurological disorders can manifest with dizziness as a prominent symptom. Understanding these connections can help in early diagnosis and management:

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

MS, a condition that damages the brain and spinal cord, can cause a wide range of symptoms, including dizziness and balance problems. The dizziness in MS may be accompanied by other neurological symptoms such as vision changes, numbness, or weakness.

Parkinson’s Disease

While tremors and stiffness are well-known symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, dizziness can also be a significant issue for many patients. This dizziness often stems from changes in blood pressure regulation or balance problems associated with the disease.

For individuals with these neurological conditions, managing dizziness often involves a multidisciplinary approach, combining medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.

Metabolic Imbalances: When Your Body’s Chemistry Affects Balance

Certain metabolic disturbances can lead to episodes of dizziness. Two common examples include:

Hypoglycemia: When Blood Sugar Drops Too Low

Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can cause a range of symptoms including dizziness, shakiness, and hunger. In severe cases, it can even lead to seizures. What are the risk factors for hypoglycemia? People with diabetes, especially those taking insulin or certain oral medications, are at higher risk. However, prolonged fasting or intense physical activity can also trigger hypoglycemic episodes in individuals without diabetes.

Anemia: The Impact of Low Red Blood Cell Count

Anemia occurs when there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen throughout the body. This oxygen deficiency can manifest as dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. How is anemia diagnosed and treated? A simple blood test can detect anemia, and treatment typically involves addressing the underlying cause, which may range from iron deficiency to chronic diseases.

Environmental Factors and Dizziness: Hidden Dangers in Our Surroundings

Sometimes, the cause of dizziness can be found in our environment. Two potentially serious environmental triggers include:

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: A Silent Threat

Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can lead to dizziness, headaches, and nausea. In severe cases, it can be fatal. What makes carbon monoxide particularly dangerous? It’s odorless and colorless, making it difficult to detect without proper equipment. Installing carbon monoxide detectors in your home and regularly maintaining fuel-burning appliances are crucial steps in prevention.

Heat Exhaustion: When Your Body Overheats

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures, especially combined with physical exertion, can lead to heat exhaustion. Symptoms include dizziness, weakness, and excessive thirst. How can you prevent heat exhaustion? Stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day, particularly if you’re not accustomed to high temperatures.

Diagnosing and Treating Dizziness: A Personalized Approach

Given the wide array of potential causes, diagnosing the root of dizziness often requires a comprehensive evaluation. Your healthcare provider may perform various tests, including:

Physical examination
Balance tests
Hearing tests
Blood tests
Imaging studies (e.g., MRI or CT scan)

Treatment for dizziness is tailored to the underlying cause. It may include:

Medications to address specific conditions or symptoms
Vestibular rehabilitation exercises to improve balance
Lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes or stress reduction techniques
Treatment of any underlying medical conditions

When should you seek immediate medical attention for dizziness? If you experience sudden, severe dizziness accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain, severe headache, or difficulty speaking, it’s crucial to seek emergency care as these could be signs of a serious condition like a stroke or heart attack.

In conclusion, while dizziness is a common symptom, its causes can range from benign to potentially life-threatening. By understanding the various factors that can contribute to dizziness and recognizing when to seek medical attention, you can take proactive steps to manage this symptom and protect your overall health. Remember, persistent or recurrent dizziness should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Causes, Related Symptoms, Treatment, Diagnosis

Possible causes of dizziness include vertigo, dehydration, hypoglycemia, and neurological conditions. Lifestyle changes and medications are among the most common treatments.

Dizziness is the feeling of being lightheaded, woozy, or off-balance. It’s linked to the sensory organs, specifically the eyes and ears, so it can sometimes cause fainting. Dizziness isn’t a disease itself but rather a symptom of various disorders.

Dizziness is common. Occasional dizziness isn’t something to worry about. However, it’s important to call a doctor immediately if you’re experiencing repeated episodes of dizziness for no apparent reason or for a prolonged period.

Dizziness has a variety of possible causes.

Vertigo and disequilibrium

True dizziness is the feeling of lightheadedness or nearly fainting.

Vertigo and disequilibrium may both cause a feeling of dizziness, but these two terms describe distinct sensations.

Vertigo is characterized by a spinning sensation, like the room is moving. It may also feel like motion sickness or as if you’re leaning to one side.

Disequilibrium is a loss of balance or equilibrium.

A common cause of vertigo and vertigo-related dizziness is benign positional vertigo (BPV). BPV leads to short-term dizziness when someone changes positions quickly, such as sitting up in bed after lying down.

Dizziness and vertigo can also be triggered by Meniere’s disease. This condition causes fluid to build up in the ear with associated ear fullness, hearing loss, and tinnitus.

Another possible cause of dizziness and vertigo is an acoustic neuroma. This noncancerous tumor forms on the vestibulocochlear nerve (auditory nerve), which connects the inner ear to the brain.

Common causes

Losing too much fluid can result in dehydration, one of the most common causes of dizziness. Symptoms of dehydration include thirst and dry skin.

Other common causes of dizziness include a migraine attack or alcohol.

Dizziness can also result from a problem in the inner ear, which is the area that senses movement and regulates balance. These problems include hearing loss.

Dizziness may be linked to certain medications, too, including:

muscle relaxants
antiepileptic drugs
antihistamines
blood pressure medications

Other possible causes

Some other potential causes of dizziness include:

Sudden drop in blood pressure: Sudden low blood pressure may be caused by various medical conditions or even from standing up (orthostatic hypotension). It can lead to dizziness and falling, especially in older adults.
Cardiomyopathy: In this condition, the heart muscles become rigid and weak and pump less blood. Symptoms can include dizziness, fainting, and trouble breathing.
Heart attack: While chest pain is the most common indicator of a heart attack, dizziness or lightheadedness can also be symptoms. They occur if there’s not enough blood reaching your brain.
Arrhythmia: Arrhythmia occurs when the heart beats at an atypical pace. It can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or shortness of breath.
Circulation problems: Cardiomyopathy, heart attack, and other heart conditions can result in circulation problems, where your heart is unable to pump enough blood. This can cause you to feel dizzy.
Excessive exercise: Overexerting yourself may make you feel dizzy or lightheaded. It can also lead to dehydration and heat exhaustion, which can both cause dizziness.
Heat exhaustion: If you’re in a hot environment and sweating excessively, you’re likely experiencing heat exhaustion. The condition may make you feel dizzy, thirsty, and weak.
Decrease in blood volume: Low blood volume can result from bleeding or dehydration. It can cause dizziness, fatigue, and low blood pressure. Learn more about the relationship between dehydration and blood pressure.
Anxiety disorders: Dizziness may be related to anxiety with no other physical causes. You may have repeated episodes of dizziness.
Anemia: Anemia is a low red blood cell count. Low levels of iron-rich hemoglobin in your red blood cells mean the cells can’t transport enough oxygen throughout the body. The lack of oxygen caused by anemia may make you feel dizzy, tired, or short of breath.
Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can make you feel shaky, lightheaded, or hungry. Severe hypoglycemia is a serious condition that can cause a seizure. Discover other symptoms associated with hypoglycemia.
Carbon monoxide poisoning: If carbon monoxide fumes from cars, grills, or furnaces build up indoors, breathing them in can be fatal. Dizziness, headache, and vomiting are all symptoms.
Motion sickness: Traveling by car or boat or experiencing other types of motion can give you motion sickness. You may feel dizzy and nauseous.
Multiple sclerosis (MS): Multiple sclerosis (MS) damages the brain and spinal cord. It causes a range of symptoms that can include dizziness.
Parkinson’s disease: Dizziness is a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease, a neurological condition that causes shaking and balance issues. Dizziness may become more noticeable in later stages of Parkinson’s.
Infections: A variety of infections are associated with dizziness. Examples include:
- COVID-19: You may feel dizziness and vertigo while you have or recover from COVID-19. The dizziness and vertigo may be associated with headaches and a loss of balance.
- Other viral infections: Other viral infections, such as the flu or a cold, may also cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded. These infections may be associated with dehydration as well.
- Ear infection: An ear infection may lead to inflammation in your inner ear, causing dizziness and balance troubles. Ear infections are associated with both bacterial and viral causes.
- Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis: Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis occur when specific nerves in your inner ear become inflamed. Triggers often include viral infections, but they can vary. Bacterial infections are more common in people with labyrinthitis than in people with vestibular neuritis.

In rare cases, a stroke, a malignant tumor, or another brain disorder can cause dizziness.

People who are dizzy may experience various sensations, including:

lightheadedness or faintness
a false sense of spinning
unsteadiness
a loss of balance
a feeling of floating

Sometimes, dizziness is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or fainting. Seek emergency medical help if you have these symptoms for extended periods.

When to call a doctor about dizziness

It’s important to call a doctor if you have repeated bouts of dizziness. Also, notify a doctor immediately if you experience sudden dizziness along with:

a head injury
a headache
neck stiffness
a high fever
ongoing vomiting
blurred vision
hearing loss
tinnitus
difficulty speaking
numbness or tingling
droopiness of the eye or mouth
loss of consciousness
chest pain
heart palpitations or a low heart rate

These symptoms could indicate a serious health problem, so it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. According to a 2021 Swedish study, 5% of people who used emergency services for dizziness had a time-critical medical issue.

If you don’t already have a primary care doctor, the Healthline FindCare tool can help you find a physician in your area.

Treatment for dizziness focuses on the underlying cause. In most cases, home remedies and medical treatments can help you manage the underlying cause.

The following are potential treatments for the causes of dizziness:

Vertigo and benign positional vertigo (BPV): BPV, a common cause of vertigo, can often be resolved with the Epley maneuver. This exercise involves turning your head in specific ways to help alleviate symptoms. Surgery is typically not needed, but it’s an option for people who can’t manage their BPV otherwise.
Meniere’s disease: This condition has no cure, but it may improve with medications, a healthful low-salt diet, antibiotic or corticosteroid injections, or ear surgery.
Acoustic neuroma: If the tumor grows, you may need radiation or surgery.
Dehydration: To help treat dehydration, drink plenty of fluids.
Migraine: Treatment for migraine attacks includes medications and lifestyle changes, such as learning to identify and avoid migraine triggers.
Alcohol: Drinking less alcohol may help you avoid dizziness from overconsumption.
Inner ear issues: You may be able to manage inner ear issues with medications or at-home exercises that help you maintain your balance.
Medications: If medications seem to be causing your dizziness, speak with a doctor about changing your medication or dose.
Sudden drop in blood pressure: Treatment for sudden low blood pressure depends on the cause or underlying condition, but it may involve adjusting your medications, exercising, or changing positions slowly when standing up.
Cardiomyopathy: This condition may be improved with medications or lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and eating a heart-healthy diet.
Heart attack: A heart attack requires emergency treatment, which may include medications, oxygen therapy, or surgery.
Arrhythmia: Arrhythmia doesn’t always require treatment. Healthy lifestyle choices, such as exercising and eating a balanced diet, can help you manage your symptoms. Heart medications are also available. Surgery is reserved for more serious cases.
Circulation problems: Circulation problems may improve with regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet, medications, or surgery.
Excessive exercise or heat exhaustion: Drinking plenty of fluids can help when dizziness is caused by excessive exercise or heat exhaustion.
Decrease in blood volume: Treatment for low blood volume focuses on restoring fluids through an intravenous (IV) line and treating underlying causes such as bleeding.
Anxiety disorders: Medications and anxiety-reducing techniques, such as therapy, can help with anxiety disorders.
Anemia: Iron supplements, medications, and eating a balanced diet can help treat anemia.
Hypoglycemia: If you have symptoms of hypoglycemia, try drinking fruit juice or soda or taking glucose tablets. For severely low blood glucose levels, you may need an injection of the hormone glucagon. Discover other emergency treatments for hypoglycemia.
Carbon monoxide poisoning: This condition requires immediate medical care. It may be treated with oxygen, a ventilator, and IV fluids.
Motion sickness: You can try ginger candy, aromatherapy, and over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for motion sickness. Learn more about remedies for motion sickness.
Multiple sclerosis (MS): This condition currently has no cure, but physical therapy and medications may help with symptoms.
Parkinson’s disease: Medications, surgery, and exercises may improve Parkinson’s disease symptoms, though there is no cure at the moment.
Infections: Treatment will depend on the cause of the infection but will likely include hydration and rest.
- COVID-19: Staying hydrated, resting, and doing balance exercises may help with dizziness that persists after a COVID-19 infection. If your symptoms get worse, it’s important to have a doctor check for other underlying conditions.
- Other viral infections: Hydration and rest are key to recovery. Antiviral medications are also available to help you manage conditions such as the flu. OTC medications such as decongestants and pain relievers can help treat a cold.
- Ear infection: An ear infection may get better with rest and drinking fluids, or it may be treated with antibiotics.
- Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis: Treatment often includes medications such as antidizziness medications, antihistamines, and antibiotics.
Stroke: You need emergency medical care for a stroke, which may include medications as well as surgery to repair and prevent internal bleeding.
Malignant tumor: Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or other medications.
Brain disorders: Treatments will vary depending on the disorder. Possible treatments include pain relievers, physical therapy, speech therapy, and surgery.

A doctor can narrow down the cause of your dizziness by performing a physical examination. They’ll ask you questions about your dizziness, including:

when it occurs
the situations where it occurs
how severe your symptoms are
which other symptoms occur with the dizziness

A doctor may also:

check your eyes and ears
perform a neurological exam
observe your posture

If the doctor suspects certain causes, including carbon monoxide poisoning, heart conditions, or a stroke, they may recommend a CT scan, an MRI, or another imaging test. You may also need additional tests.

In some cases, a doctor can’t determine the cause of dizziness.

Balance tests

A doctor or specialist may perform tests to check your balance. These tests look for problems with your inner ear that may affect your balance or cause dizziness.

They include:

computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) test, where you try to maintain your balance while standing on a moving platform
Romberg test, which measures how well you keep your balance when standing with your eyes closed for 1 minute
electronystagmography (ENG) test, which involves a doctor placing sensors around your eyes and measuring your eye movements
videonystagmography (VNG) test, in which you’ll wear goggles and view light patterns so a doctor can measure your eye movements
rotary test, where goggles record your eye movements while you sit in a rotating, motorized chair

Tests for vertigo

If you have vertigo, the doctor may perform the following tests:

Dix-Hallpike maneuver, which involves turning your head and then switching quickly between lying down and sitting up so a doctor can check if you experience vertigo
vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) test, in which a doctor looks for problems in your inner ear by playing sounds into earphones while you move your head and eyes
video head impulse test, which records your eye movements as you try to keep your eyes on a target while moving your head

Hearing tests

Hearing tests may also be performed for dizziness and balance issues. These tests may include:

otoacoustic emissions test, in which a small earphone plays sounds in your ear and a doctor measures the echoes that come back from your inner ear
tympanometry, in which a doctor blows air into your ear to evaluate the movement of your eardrum
electrocochleography, which tests the electrical activity of the cochlea (a hollow bone in the inner ear) using an electrode placed in the ear

Electrocochleography can help diagnose Meniere’s disease.

Cardiac tests

Tests that can help a doctor diagnose cardiac causes of dizziness include the:

electrocardiogram (EKG), which they use to measure your heart’s electrical activity
echocardiogram, which is a type of ultrasound that reveals how well your heart works
stress test, where a doctor monitors your heart as you use a treadmill or perform another type of exercise

Follow these tips if you have recurrent bouts of dizziness:

Sit or lie down immediately when you feel dizzy and rest until the dizziness goes away. This can prevent you from possibly losing your balance, which may lead to falling and serious injury.
Use a cane or walker for stability, if necessary.
Always use handrails when walking up or down stairs.
Try activities that can help improve your balance, such as yoga and tai chi.
Avoid moving or switching positions suddenly.
Avoid driving a car or operating heavy machinery if you frequently experience dizziness without warning.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. Using these substances may trigger dizziness or make it worse.
Drink plenty of water and get sufficient sleep. Avoiding stressful situations may also be helpful.
If you suspect a medication is causing your dizziness, talk with your doctor about lowering the dose or switching to another medication.
Take an OTC medication such as meclizine (Antivert, Bonine) if you experience nausea along with dizziness. These medications may cause drowsiness, so do not use them when you need to be active or productive.
Rest in a cool place and drink water if your dizziness is caused by overheating or dehydration.

Always speak with a doctor if you’re concerned about the frequency or severity of your dizziness.

Most cases of dizziness clear up on their own once you treat the underlying cause. In rare cases, dizziness can be a symptom of a more serious health problem.

Dizziness may result in complications related to fainting or a loss of balance. This can be especially dangerous when you’re driving, operating heavy machinery, or climbing a ladder.

Use caution if you feel an episode of dizziness coming on. If you become dizzy, stop driving immediately or find a safe place to steady yourself until the feeling passes.

Causes, Related Symptoms, Treatment, Diagnosis

Possible causes of dizziness include vertigo, dehydration, hypoglycemia, and neurological conditions. Lifestyle changes and medications are among the most common treatments.

Dizziness has a variety of possible causes.