Dizziness is a rather vague and frequently overlooked symptom that can make people feel off balance, giddy or faint. It is important to know the dizziness causes because they can be due to inner ear problems, lack of fluids, low blood pressure or anxiety. In this article, we will look at what causes dizziness and when you should seek medical advice. One of the leading causes of headache and dizziness include ear disorders such as BPPV or Labyrinthitis. Other causes include lack of fluids, low blood sugar, low blood pressure, anxiety disorders and side effects of certain medications. More often, each subjective sensation of dizziness can be identified more precisely as one of four types of dizziness: vertigo, disequilibrium, presyncope, or lightheadedness, according to NCBI.
What causes Dizziness?
Dizziness can arise from a multitude of factors, each impacting the body in unique ways. Understanding these causes is essential for identifying effective treatments and finding relief. According to the NIH, dizziness symptoms burden 15 to 20% of adults yearly and result in 7.5 million people seeking treatment. Here are some common causes of sudden dizziness:
Dehydration
One of the most common dizziness causes is lack of water in the body. If your body is dehydrated, your blood pressure will decrease and you may feel dizzy. This feeling can be more noticeable during hot weather, when exercising, or if one has not had enough water intake in the course of the day. The first thing to do if you are feeling dizzy is to check your level of hydration. The sensation can usually be relieved by drinking water.
Low Blood Sugar
Another common reason for feeling dizzy is low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia. This occurs when your body doesn’t have enough glucose to function correctly, leading to a range of symptoms, including dizziness, confusion, and shakiness. Low blood sugar can be caused by skipping meals, over-exercising, or consuming too much alcohol. It’s especially crucial for people with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels to prevent sudden dizziness and related symptoms.
Inner Ear Problems
Your inner ear plays a critical role in maintaining balance. If something is wrong with this part of the body, one may experience sudden dizziness and vertigo or the sensation that everything is spinning. Some of the most common causes of dizziness and vomiting related to inner ear disorders include Meniere’s disease, labyrinthitis, and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). If you experience dizziness together with hearing loss or tinnitus, then it is advisable to seek the services of a specialist.
Medication Side Effects
Some drugs, especially those used for hypertension, anxiety, or depression, may cause side effects such as dizziness. If you have just begun taking a new medication and you find that you are experiencing dizziness or drowsiness, then the drug could be the cause. However, if you believe that it is the medication that is making you dizzy, you should consult your doctor, who may change your dosage or prescribe a different medication.
Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure, or hypotension, means that the blood circulation to your brain is not enough and this can lead to dizziness. It is more often seen in elderly people or those who are on blood pressure lowering drugs. Low blood pressure also has symptoms such as blurred vision, confusion, and fatigue, so if you are experiencing these problems, you should check your blood pressure more often. Such feelings as dizziness should not be overlooked as they may result in falls or fainting.
Anemia
Anemia is a condition in which the body lacks sufficient red blood cells to transport oxygen to the tissues. This can lead to fatigue, dizziness in the morning, weakness and even shortness of breath. Anemia is one of the causes of dizziness in women, especially during menstruation or pregnancy, and is more common in women. In order to manage dizziness resulting from anemia, one should consume foods rich in iron or take supplements.
Migraine Headaches
Patients with migraines also complain of dizziness as one of the symptoms before or during the headache. Headache and dizziness are usually related and in the case of migraines, the two conditions are cyclical and this makes it difficult for a person to go about his or her daily activities. Dizziness from migraines can also be experienced by those who do not experience the typical headache, a condition referred to as vestibular migraine.
Anxiety and Panic Attacks
Some of the causes of dizziness include anxiety and panic attacks which are all psychological in nature. Stress and anxiety make the breathing rate increase and the oxygen supply to the brain is limited, which is the fight or flight response. This often results in dizziness and confusion. Stress-related dizziness can be alleviated by learning how to manage anxiety through therapy, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques.
Heart Conditions
Other heart related problems like arrhythmias or heart attacks can also cause dizziness. If the blood circulation in your heart is not proper, you may feel sudden dizziness along with other symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting. This type of dizziness is dangerous and should be treated as an emergency since it can cause death if not well handled.
Positional Dizziness
Do you ever get light-headed when you stand up too fast or when you are bending down? This is known as orthostatic hypotension, a condition in which the blood pressure decreases when you change position. This type of dizziness is usually worse in the morning after waking up, and therefore is one of the most common causes of dizziness in the morning. This form of dizziness can be prevented by drinking water and avoiding sudden movements from sitting to standing positions.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Although some dizziness is normal and may not be a sign of a serious medical condition, it is advisable to seek medical attention if the dizziness is persistent or severe. Symptoms such as dizziness and vomiting, sudden dizziness, or dizziness with other symptoms such as chest pain, or blurred vision should be reported. According to NCBI, dizziness accounts for approximately 3 percent of emergency department visits and 3 percent of primary care visits yearly. However, it is important to seek the right diagnosis and treatment so that no other complications arise and you are healthy again.
Conclusion
Dizziness can be caused by many factors including; dehydration, heart disease, anemia among others. The first thing to do when dealing with dizziness is to know what causes it. It is always advisable to seek the opinion of a doctor if you are in doubt as to why one feels dizzy or if the symptoms persist. Understanding the symptoms and when to go for a checkup will ensure that you remain healthy at all times. Be aware of these causes and ensure you take necessary precautions to control your dizziness well.
