What can cause dizziness and causes. 10 Common Causes of Dizziness: Symptoms, Treatments, and Prevention
What are the most common causes of dizziness. How can you identify the underlying reason for feeling dizzy. What treatments are available for different types of dizziness. When should you see a doctor for dizziness symptoms.
Understanding Dizziness: More Than Just Feeling Off-Balance
Dizziness is a term that encompasses a variety of sensations, including feeling lightheaded, unsteady, or experiencing a spinning sensation. While often temporary and harmless, recurring or severe dizziness can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. To effectively manage this symptom, it’s crucial to understand its potential causes and when to seek medical attention.
Dizziness can occur due to various factors, ranging from simple lifestyle choices to more serious underlying medical conditions. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 10 causes of dizziness, their symptoms, and available treatment options.
Vertigo: When the World Seems to Spin
Vertigo is often confused with general dizziness, but it refers specifically to the false sensation of movement. People experiencing vertigo may feel as if their surroundings are spinning or tilting, even when they’re standing still.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
BPPV is one of the most common causes of vertigo. It occurs when calcium carbonate particles, known as otoconia, collect in the inner ear canals. These particles interfere with the brain’s ability to interpret positional information correctly.
- Symptoms: Brief episodes of spinning sensation triggered by head movements
- Treatment: Epley maneuver or other repositioning techniques performed by a healthcare professional
Ménière’s Disease
Ménière’s disease is an inner ear disorder characterized by episodes of vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and a feeling of fullness in the affected ear.
- Symptoms: Sudden onset of vertigo lasting minutes to hours, hearing changes, and tinnitus
- Treatment: Dietary changes, medications to reduce fluid retention, and in severe cases, surgical interventions
Labyrinthitis
Labyrinthitis is an inner ear infection that causes inflammation of the labyrinth, the part of the ear responsible for balance and hearing.
- Symptoms: Sudden vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus, often following a viral infection
- Treatment: Antiviral medications, antihistamines, and vestibular rehabilitation exercises
Motion Sickness: When Travel Makes You Queasy
Motion sickness occurs when there’s a mismatch between visual information and the vestibular system’s sense of movement. This discrepancy can lead to dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
- Triggers: Car, boat, or air travel; amusement park rides
- Prevention and treatment: Over-the-counter antihistamines, focusing on a stable point, and getting fresh air
Can certain factors increase susceptibility to motion sickness. Yes, pregnancy and some medications can make individuals more prone to experiencing motion sickness symptoms.
Migraines: More Than Just a Headache
Migraines are intense, recurring headaches that can be accompanied by various neurological symptoms, including dizziness. The American Migraine Foundation estimates that 30-50% of migraine sufferers experience dizziness during an episode.
- Symptoms: Throbbing headache, often on one side, visual disturbances (aura), nausea, and dizziness
- Treatment: Pain relievers, triptans, preventive medications, and lifestyle modifications
Is it possible to experience dizziness before a migraine attack. Yes, some people may feel dizzy as part of their migraine aura, which can occur before the onset of head pain.
Blood Pressure Fluctuations: When Your Circulation Affects Balance
Sudden changes in blood pressure, particularly a sharp drop (hypotension), can lead to temporary dizziness or lightheadedness. This often occurs when standing up too quickly, a condition known as orthostatic hypotension.
- Causes: Dehydration, blood loss, severe allergic reactions, certain medications
- Prevention: Staying hydrated, rising slowly from a seated or lying position, and reviewing medications with a healthcare provider
Which medications commonly cause blood pressure changes that lead to dizziness. Diuretics, beta-blockers, and some antidepressants can potentially cause blood pressure fluctuations resulting in dizziness.
Cardiovascular Issues: When Heart Health Affects Balance
Various cardiovascular conditions can contribute to dizziness by affecting blood flow to the brain. These may include atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries), heart arrhythmias, and congestive heart failure.
- Additional symptoms: Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, irregular heartbeat, fatigue
- Treatment: Depends on the underlying condition but may include medications, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgical interventions
Should dizziness associated with cardiovascular symptoms be considered a medical emergency. Yes, if dizziness occurs alongside symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention as it could indicate a heart attack or stroke.
Anemia: When Iron Deficiency Leads to Dizziness
Anemia, particularly iron-deficiency anemia, can cause dizziness due to a lack of oxygen-rich blood circulating in the body. This condition is relatively common and can often be addressed through dietary changes and supplements.
- Symptoms: Fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, and dizziness
- Treatment: Iron supplements, dietary changes to include more iron-rich foods, and in severe cases, blood transfusions
Which foods are rich in iron and can help combat anemia-related dizziness. Red meat, spinach, legumes, and fortified cereals are excellent sources of iron that can help alleviate symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia.
Hypoglycemia: When Low Blood Sugar Affects Balance
Hypoglycemia occurs when blood glucose levels fall below normal. This can happen due to various reasons, including skipping meals, certain medications, or underlying health conditions like diabetes.
- Symptoms: Dizziness, confusion, sweating, shakiness, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness
- Treatment: Consuming fast-acting carbohydrates, adjusting medication if necessary, and addressing underlying causes
How quickly can consuming carbohydrates alleviate hypoglycemia-related dizziness. In most cases, eating or drinking something with sugar can improve symptoms within 15 minutes, though it’s important to follow up with a more substantial meal to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Dehydration: A Common Yet Overlooked Cause of Dizziness
Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, leading to an imbalance in electrolytes and potentially causing dizziness. This can happen due to excessive sweating, illness, or simply not drinking enough water throughout the day.
- Symptoms: Thirst, dark urine, dry mouth, fatigue, and dizziness
- Treatment: Rehydration with water and electrolyte-rich fluids, and in severe cases, intravenous fluids
How much water should an average adult drink daily to prevent dehydration-related dizziness. While individual needs vary, a general guideline is to consume about 8 glasses (64 ounces) of water per day, adjusting for factors like climate, activity level, and overall health.
Medications: When Treatment Causes Dizziness
Various medications can list dizziness as a potential side effect. This can occur due to the medication’s impact on blood pressure, inner ear function, or the central nervous system.
- Common culprits: Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, blood pressure medications, and some antibiotics
- Management: Discussing concerns with a healthcare provider, who may adjust dosages or suggest alternative treatments
Is it safe to stop taking medication if it’s causing dizziness. No, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before discontinuing any prescribed medication. Abruptly stopping certain medications can lead to serious health consequences.
Diagnosing the Cause of Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Help
While occasional, mild dizziness is often not a cause for concern, certain situations warrant medical attention. Understanding when to consult a healthcare provider is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Red Flags That Require Immediate Medical Attention
- Sudden, severe dizziness accompanied by other neurological symptoms like slurred speech or weakness on one side of the body
- Dizziness following a head injury
- Persistent dizziness that significantly interferes with daily activities
- Dizziness accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat
What diagnostic tests might a doctor perform to determine the cause of dizziness. Depending on the suspected cause, a healthcare provider might conduct a physical examination, balance tests, hearing tests, blood tests, or imaging studies like MRI or CT scans.
Treatment Approaches for Dizziness: From Home Remedies to Medical Interventions
The treatment for dizziness varies depending on its underlying cause. Here are some general approaches that may be recommended:
Self-Care Measures
- Staying hydrated
- Getting adequate rest
- Avoiding triggers (e.g., certain head movements, foods, or situations)
- Practicing relaxation techniques to reduce stress
Vestibular Rehabilitation
This specialized form of physical therapy helps improve balance and reduce dizziness-related problems. It’s particularly effective for conditions like BPPV and labyrinthitis.
Medications
Depending on the cause, a healthcare provider might prescribe:
- Anti-vertigo medications (e.g., meclizine)
- Anti-nausea drugs
- Diuretics for Ménière’s disease
- Migraine medications
Lifestyle Modifications
For some conditions, lifestyle changes can significantly reduce dizziness:
- Dietary changes (e.g., reducing salt intake for Ménière’s disease)
- Quitting smoking
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Regular exercise to improve overall cardiovascular health
Can certain exercises help alleviate dizziness at home. Yes, specific exercises like the Epley maneuver can be effective for BPPV, while general balance exercises can help improve overall stability. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen.
Preventing Dizziness: Proactive Steps for Better Balance
While not all causes of dizziness are preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Eat regularly: Avoid skipping meals to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
- Stand up slowly: Take your time when changing positions to prevent sudden drops in blood pressure.
- Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
- Exercise regularly: Focus on activities that improve balance and core strength.
- Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
- Limit alcohol and caffeine: Both can contribute to dehydration and affect balance.
How effective is vitamin D supplementation in preventing dizziness. Some studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency may be linked to balance problems and vertigo. While more research is needed, ensuring adequate vitamin D levels through diet, sunlight exposure, or supplements (under medical supervision) may help improve overall balance and reduce the risk of dizziness.
Living with Chronic Dizziness: Coping Strategies and Support
For individuals dealing with persistent or recurring dizziness, developing coping strategies is essential for maintaining quality of life:
- Educate yourself: Learn about your specific condition and its management techniques.
- Create a safe environment: Remove tripping hazards at home and use assistive devices if necessary.
- Plan ahead: Identify potential triggers and have a plan for managing symptoms in various situations.
- Join support groups: Connect with others who understand your experiences.
- Communicate with loved ones: Help friends and family understand your condition and how they can support you.
- Explore complementary therapies: Some people find relief through acupuncture, tai chi, or other alternative approaches (always consult with your healthcare provider first).
Are there any technological innovations that can help people manage chronic dizziness. Yes, several apps and devices are now available to assist with balance training, symptom tracking, and even providing real-time support during dizzy spells. Additionally, some hearing aid technologies incorporate features to help manage certain types of vertigo.
The Future of Dizziness Treatment: Emerging Research and Therapies
As our understanding of the vestibular system and its disorders continues to evolve, new treatments for dizziness are on the horizon:
- Gene therapy: Researchers are exploring genetic approaches to treat certain forms of inherited vestibular disorders.
- Neuromodulation: Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques show promise in managing some types of chronic dizziness.
- Personalized medicine: Advances in genetic testing may lead to more targeted treatments based on an individual’s genetic profile.
- Virtual reality: VR technologies are being developed to enhance vestibular rehabilitation and help patients manage symptoms in a controlled environment.
What role might artificial intelligence play in diagnosing and treating dizziness in the future. AI could potentially revolutionize how we diagnose and treat dizziness by analyzing vast amounts of patient data to identify patterns and predict the most effective treatments. It may also assist in developing more precise diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans.
Understanding the various causes of dizziness and their respective treatments is crucial for effectively managing this common yet potentially disruptive symptom. While occasional dizziness is often harmless, persistent or severe symptoms should prompt a consultation with a healthcare provider. By staying informed, taking preventive measures, and seeking appropriate care when needed, individuals can significantly improve their quality of life and reduce the impact of dizziness on their daily activities.
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.
Dizziness – NHS
It’s common to sometimes feel dizzy, lightheaded or off-balance, and it’s not usually serious. See a GP if you’re worried.
Check if you have dizziness
Dizziness includes feeling:
- off-balance
- giddy
- lightheaded or faint
- like you’re spinning or things around you are spinning (vertigo)
How you can treat dizziness yourself
Dizziness usually goes away on its own. But there are things you can do to take care of yourself while you’re feeling dizzy.
Do
lie down until the dizziness passes, then get up slowly
move slowly and carefully
get plenty of rest
drink plenty of fluids, especially water
avoid coffee, cigarettes, alcohol and drugs
Don’t
do not bend down suddenly
do not get up suddenly after sitting or lying down
do not do anything that could be dangerous while you’re dizzy, like driving, climbing a ladder or using heavy machinery
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
- you’re worried about your dizziness or vertigo
- it will not go away or it keeps coming back
- you’re finding it harder to hear or speak
- there’s ringing or other sounds in your ears (tinnitus)
- you have double vision, blurred vision or other changes in your eyesight
- your face, arms or legs feel numb or weak
- you have other symptoms like changes to your pulse, fainting or collapsing, headaches, feeling or being sick
Causes of dizziness
If you have other symptoms, this might give you an idea of the cause. Do not self-diagnose. See a GP if you’re worried.
Dizziness while you’re ill with something else
Dizziness often goes away after you’re treated for something else. For example:
- an ear infection
- migraine
- dehydration or heat exhaustion
- stress or anxiety
- low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) because of diabetes
- iron deficiency anaemia
- motion sickness
Dizziness for no obvious reason
Dizziness symptoms | Possible causes |
---|---|
Dizziness symptoms When standing or sitting up suddenly | Possible causes Sudden drop in blood pressure (postural hypotension) |
Dizziness symptoms Feeling off-balance, losing some hearing, ringing or other sounds in your ears (tinnitus) | Possible causes Inner-ear problems |
Dizziness symptoms Feeling off-balance or like things are spinning, feeling or being sick, sometimes after a cold or flu | Possible causes Labyrinthitis |
Dizziness symptoms After starting new prescription medicine | Possible causes Side effect of medicine |
Page last reviewed: 21 April 2023
Next review due: 21 April 2026
Dizziness – causes, prevention and treatment
Dizziness. A condition in which it seems to a person that the objects around him and (and) his own body are moving or rotating in a certain direction (systemic dizziness). But often a person cannot say exactly in which direction he and everything around him are moving (non-systemic dizziness). It happens that a person notes only his own instability and instability (staggering, trembling) of the space around him, a feeling of tilting his head, moving his legs and torso in one direction (more often upwards), and his head in the other (more often downwards in a supine position), feeling falling into the abyss. Dizziness occurs when the work of the organs of vision and the central nervous system is inconsistent, which is responsible for the sense of body position in space (kinesthetic) and the sense of balance (vestibular).
Symptoms and course
There are many reasons for dizziness. Treatment of dizziness in people can also occur in absolutely healthy people, for example, when looking down from a great height or when looking at clouds, if you stand near a high-rise building – then there is a feeling that it is not the clouds that are moving, but the building tilts. Dizziness occurs if you spin for a long time around its axis, and then stop.
Dizziness as a manifestation of the disease can be caused by a disease of the inner ear, when the vestibular (balance) apparatus is affected by an inflammatory or tumor process. Such patients usually suffer from inflammation of the inner ear (otitis media) for a long time, first they have hearing loss, and then dizziness appears. With a tumor lesion, seizures occur against the background of hearing loss, ringing in the ear, and attacks of dizziness gradually become more frequent and intensify.
Dizziness is very common with a sharp turn of the head to the side, when getting out of bed in the morning, tilting the head back (during wallpapering, hanging clothes, removing a book from the top shelf), with a long tilt of the head to the side or anteriorly (weeding, car repair, long sleep in the train or bus), sometimes when walking “throws to the side.” Such dizziness is caused by spasm or clamping of the vertebral artery, which supplies blood to the parts of the brain responsible for balance. Dizziness can occur with high or low blood pressure, poisoning, fluid loss (vomiting, diarrhea) or blood loss (bleeding). Accompanied by dizziness and anemia (lack of erythrocytes in the blood – red blood cells), high fever.
Recognition of dizziness is simple, based on the patient’s complaints, symptoms characteristic of dizziness treatment (drunk gait, patient’s attempts to grab surrounding objects, inability to stand or sit, frequent rhythmic twitching of the eyes (when looking to the side or up).
Treatment and first aid
If the patient is dizzy, lay him on his back so that his head, neck and shoulders lie on the pillow, because in this position the kink of the vertebral arteries is excluded. You should avoid turning your head to the side, you need to open the windows, ventilate the room, put a cold bandage on your forehead, you can slightly moisten it with vinegar. After measuring the pressure and temperature, take measures to normalize them, if the heart rate is more than 100 beats per minute or an irregular heartbeat has appeared, and if nausea and repeated (more than 3 times) vomiting have joined dizziness, you need to call an ambulance. The prognosis depends on the nature of the dizziness.
causes, symptoms and diagnosis, indications for visiting a doctor
There is nothing pleasant about feeling dizzy – we feel anxiety, we can get injured. What is dizziness and how can it be caused? Should I ignore it, as is often the case with dizziness in men, drink self-chosen pills, as women often do with dizziness, or immediately go to the doctor? How to help yourself during an attack? Let’s consider these and other questions in more detail.
Symptoms of dizziness
Vertigo (medical term “vertigo”) is disorientation in space. It seems to a person that he is rotating, moving, although in fact he is motionless. It happens the other way around – there is a feeling that everything around is spinning and moving – objects, trees, the ground under your feet.
Sensations can be different – from rotational movements, to the impression of instability, when everything around (or yourself) trembles, staggers, moves. The body or parts of it may appear to be moving. Describing their condition, many say that they feel like with a strong sea roll, riding on a swing.
Additional symptoms when dizzy:
- Feeling dizzy.
- An illusion of mobility of your body or surrounding objects is created.
- There is nausea, weakness, up to fainting.
- Cold sweat breaks out.
- Increased heart rate.
- Fear, panic appears.
- Numb legs or arms.
- Impaired hearing or disturbed by ringing in the ears.
Dizziness can be sharp for several seconds or longer – up to half an hour, an hour and a constant feeling. The frequency of seizures is also different – someone encounters them regularly under certain conditions, while someone has experienced only a couple of times in their lives. Some patients notice frequent patterns when dizziness occurs. It can be trips in transport, experiences.
Causes of dizziness
They can be conditionally divided into physiological – normal, which do not serve as a symptom of diseases, and situations when vertigo signals some kind of illness, failure in the body.
The main causes of dizziness in a healthy person:
- Sudden fright, when there is a sharp release of stress hormones.
- Unusual and abrupt movements, such as skydiving, rides, spinning in circles for a long time.
With dizziness, the body warns us that something is not right with it at:
- Strong alcohol intoxication.
- Rigid and unbalanced diets.
- Dehydration, heat stroke.
- Excessive physical exertion.
- Decreased sugar levels.
- Low blood pressure.
- Taking certain medications (this side effect is indicated in the instructions).
Among the causes of dizziness in women may be pregnancy and heavy menstruation.
But not everything is so harmless with vertigo. This symptom can be in a variety of diseases. There are about eighty of them in total.
Major diseases, conditions that cause dizziness:
- Pathologies of the ENT organs that affect the inner ear (it serves as an element of the vestibular apparatus) – otitis media, Meniere’s disease and others.
- Circulatory disorders of the brain, vascular pathologies – aneurysms, VVD, stroke.
- Tumors of any nature in the brain, neck, cranial structures.
- Degenerative changes in the brain – multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and others.
- Inflammatory and other diseases of the central nervous system – meningitis, encephalomyelitis and others.
- Cardiovascular diseases – infarction, cardiac arrhythmias, arterial hypertension and hypotension.
- Mental illness – phobias, neurotic syndrome.
- Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
What to do if you feel dizzy
During an attack, it is advisable not to turn your head to the side, not to make sudden movements, for example, try to lie down immediately. You can sit down, lie down gradually, focus on deep breathing. You can wash your face, make a cold compress on your face.
If vertigo recurs, attacks become more severe, there are additional symptoms – take action and consult a doctor
It is necessary to understand the symptom of what disease is dizziness.