Dizziness (dizzy spells) is a feeling of light-headedness or unbalanced. Dizziness affects the sensory organs, mostly eyes, and ears, and can lead to fainting from dizziness. Dizziness itself isn’t an illness, but a symptom of various underlying disorders like vertigo and disequilibrium. Occasional dizziness is nothing to worry about; however, if the person is experiencing frequent bouts of dizziness for no apparent reason or for a longer time, they should consult a doctor.
Causes of Dizziness
Migraine, medications, or alcohol may cause dizziness. A problem in the inner ear also may cause dizziness, where body balance is regulated. Dizziness is also caused by vertigo. The most common cause of vertigo and vertigo-related dizziness is benign positional vertigo (BPV), which produces short term dizziness when a person changes their position or gets up from bed suddenly after lying down for some time. Causes of dizzy spells include:
- A sudden drop in the blood pressure
- Heart muscle disease
- A rapid decrease in blood volume
- Anxiety disorders
- Low iron in the body
- Low blood sugar
- Ear infection
- Dehydration of the body
- Heatstroke
- Motion sickness
- Fainting from dizziness
In the rarest of rare cases, causes of dizziness include multiple sclerosis, a stroke, malignant tumour, or any another brain disorder.
Symptoms of Dizziness
Dizziness can be detected by:
- Light-headedness or fainting from dizziness
- A feeling of head spinning
- Unsteadiness or losing balance
In some cases, dizziness is also accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or fainting.
When to consult a Doctor
One should consult a doctor if they experience frequent and repeated dizzy spells. Also, the person should notify the doctor immediately if dizziness is accompanied by:
- Head injury
- Headache
- Neck ache
- High fever
- Blurred vision
- Loss of hearing
- Difficulty in speaking
- Numbness or tingling
- The droopiness of the eye or mouth
- Loss of consciousness
- Chest pain
- Constant vomiting
- Fainting from dizziness
Causes of DizzinessThese symptoms of dizziness may indicate an underlying serious health problem, which can be detected by a diagnosis and required medical attention.
Diagnosis of the Dizziness
The doctor can evaluate the cause of dizziness and any underlying disorder by a physical examination. The doctor can check the eyes and ears, conduct a neurological physical exam, observe the posture, and conduct medical tests to check balance and the symptoms of dizziness. The patient may also be prescribed an imaging test like a CT scan or MRI know the exact causes of dizziness.
Treatments for Dizziness
The treatment for dizziness focuses on the underlying cause of it. In most cases, home remedies and medical therapies control the cause of dizziness. For example:
- Inner-ear problems can be managed by medications and exercises, which will help control balance.
- Migraines can be treated with medications and changes in lifestyle. Identifying the triggers of migraine would also help to prevent it from occurring.
- Medication, along with anxiety-reducing techniques, will help to reduce anxiety disorders.
- One should drink plenty of fluids as dizziness can be caused by heat or dehydration.
Causes of DizzinessTips to follow when Dizzy
- Whenever you feel dizzy, immediately sit or lie down until the dizziness subsides. This will prevent you from losing balance.
- Use a cane for stability if you experience loss of balance.
- While walking up and down the stairs, always use the handrails.
- Practice Yoga or Tai Chi that improve balance.
- Avoid sudden movement and shifting body positions.
- Stay away from caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. These substances may trigger or make dizziness worse.
- Drink plenty of fluids and eat a healthy diet.
If you suspect the dizzy spells to be a reaction of any medication, talk to the doctor about it.
Most cases of dizzy spells subside on their own once the underlying cause is identified and treated. Dizziness can result in a complicated matter if it is accompanied by fainting or a loss of balance. Always be cautious if you feel symptoms of dizziness coming on. If it gets worse, consult a doctor immediately.
