Dizziness: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Dizziness
Reading Time: 5 min

Very often patients come to a neurologist with dizziness. Indeed, no one has ever experienced it. This term describes a wide variety of sensations, from dizziness and impending loss of consciousness to spinning one’s own body or surrounding objects.

Almost 35% of the population faces dizziness symptoms during a lifetime. Most often, it is people after 60 years—20%, after 70 – 30%, and after 80 – 50%. Dizziness can severely interfere with work, driving, and other activities.

Common Causes of Dizziness

What causes dizziness? It can be both the main symptom of the disease and a secondary sign of some diagnoses. Sometimes, such discomfort expresses minor changes in the body’s functioning. Regular check-ups with your doctor highlight the importance of an annual physical exam to watch your health condition.

Inner Ear Problems

The inner ear is responsible for balance, so issues here can lead to dizziness. Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, and vestibular neuritis are common causes of dizziness. These problems often involve fluid imbalances or inflammation, affecting the signals sent to the brain about body movement. 

Circulatory Issues

Can lack of blood flow to the brain cause dizziness? It can be linked to circulatory problems where the brain doesn’t get enough blood flow. This can occur due to low blood pressure, atherosclerosis, heart disease, or arrhythmias. 

Can poor blood circulation cause dizziness? Anemia, a condition with insufficient red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to the body’s tissues, can result in dizziness. A drop in red blood cells can cause a person to feel faint or dizzy. These conditions can cause a temporary drop in blood flow, leading to lightheadedness or fainting.

Neurological Conditions

Certain neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or migraines, can cause dizziness symptoms. These conditions affect the brain’s ability to process balance and spatial orientation signals. A stroke, particularly one affecting the cerebellum or brainstem, can lead to sudden dizziness or vertigo. This type of dizziness is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as difficulty walking, vision changes, and numbness on one side of the body. 

Though less common, brain tumors can cause dizziness if they affect parts of the brain responsible for balance and coordination. Other symptoms like headaches, changes in vision, and difficulty walking often accompany the dizziness.

Medications and Substance Use

Dizziness is a common side effect of various medications and substances. Certain drugs and chemicals can affect blood pressure, the central nervous system, or inner ear function, all of which play roles in maintaining balance.

Some medications, including those for blood pressure, sedatives, and antidepressants, list symptoms of dizziness as a side effect. Alcohol, drugs, or dehydration from excessive caffeine or nicotine can also lead to dizziness.

Other Contributing Factors

Various other factors can contribute to dizziness, including anxiety disorders, hypoglycemia, dehydration (read about 10 signs of dehydration), and heat exhaustion. Each of these conditions affects the body’s balance mechanisms differently.

Emotional factors such as anxiety, stress, and panic attacks can lead to dizziness. Hyperventilation during anxiety episodes can reduce carbon dioxide levels in the blood, resulting in lightheadedness. 

Can malnutrition cause dizziness? Deficiencies in certain vitamins, particularly Vitamin B12, can lead to neurological symptoms, including this feeling. Vitamin B12 is crucial for nerve function, and its deficiency can cause neurological issues. 

Hormonal fluctuations can lead to dizziness. Changes in hormone levels can affect blood pressure and circulation, leading to dizziness.

Common Causes of Dizziness

Types of Dizziness

Dizziness is a common symptom that can be described as feeling lightheaded, unsteady, or as if the room is spinning. There are four main types of dizziness, each with distinct characteristics. What type of dizziness is dangerous?

Vertigo
Vertigo is a type of dizziness or primary spinning, having the feeling that the concerned person is moving or the things around him or her are moving, although this is not the case. It is usually due to some disorders of the inner ear, notably benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, vestibular Neuritis, and Meniere’s disease. Vertigo can also be seen as being caused by migraines and or central nervous system diseases.

Lightheadedness
Lightheadedness is the feeling of fainting or that you may lose consciousness. It differs from vertigo in that it doesn’t involve a spinning sensation. Lightheadedness can be caused by dehydration, low blood sugar, anemia, or standing up too quickly, leading to a sudden drop in blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension).

Disequilibrium
This type of dizziness refers to a feeling of imbalance or unsteadiness, often described as being off-balance while walking. It can be caused by inner ear issues, neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease, or musculoskeletal problems that affect balance.

Presyncope
Losing consciousness, or presyncope, is the sense that you are about to lose your balance. It is frequently accompanied by symptoms such as sweating, nausea, or visual symptoms. Presyncope is often associated with some forms of cardiovascular changes, such as hypotension, cardio pathologies, or vasovagal syncope—it, which is the fainting reflex.

Diagnosing the Cause of Dizziness

Check urgent care near you if you have some symptoms of dizziness. The examination of the patient begins with collecting anamneses, complaints and physical inspection. The doctor discovers when the dizziness began, how long the attacks last, and their character (constant, with fainting spells, etc.). It is also determined whether the dizziness is accompanied by other symptoms (pain, nausea, etc.). During the examination, some different tests are carried out, such as the evaluation of reflexes and gait. A primary care physician in Gaithersburg will help you measure blood pressure, determine the pulse, listen to the heart rhythm.

It also requires a set of adequate additional examination methods: clinical blood count, determination of blood glucose levels, general therapeutic examination, assessment of neurological status, consultation with an otorhinolaryngologist, neurological tests, audiometry, radiography of the cervical spine with functional tests, and brain MRI.

Treatment Options for Dizziness

Different diagnoses mean different dizziness treatments. While some conditions can be treated conservatively, others require urgent or planned surgical intervention.

Conservative treatment is prescribed by a narrow specialist who deals with the problem indicated by laboratory and instrumental tests.

Vertigo is not an independent diagnosis but a manifestation of the underlying disease. Therefore, symptomatic dizziness treatment will be required to eliminate the disease’s cause and its consequences. The first thing they try is to influence the symptoms. Then, they go deeper into the source and affect the epicenter of the disease.

The doctor will select the necessary medications and procedures and, in parallel, recommend exercise, nutrition, etc. Therapeutic techniques are aimed not only at stabilizing the patient’s condition but also at long-term prevention of recurrent vertigo attacks.

The effectiveness of dizziness treatment depends on the timeliness of diagnosis, the qualifications of the attending physician, and the patient’s responsible attitude to the recommendations received. Take care of yourself and be healthy!

When to Seek Medical Attention

Dizziness can be a common and usually harmless symptom, but in some cases, it may indicate a more serious condition. If you have any of the following, you should visit a health provider.

  • Severe or persistent: Lasting for several days or weeks.
  • Accompanied by other symptoms: Such as headaches, double vision, numbness, or weakness.
  • Interfering with daily activities: Making it difficult to work, drive, or perform other tasks.
  • Associated with sudden falls or loss of consciousness: This is a sign of a more serious disease.

If you have any of these symptoms of dizziness, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly to identify the cause and receive appropriate treatment. It may require immediate medical intervention.

Preventing Dizziness

Why lifestyle is important? Preventing dizziness involves a combination of lifestyle choices and awareness of potential triggers. Dehydration can lead to lightheadedness. Can malnutrition cause dizziness? It’s also important to maintain a balanced diet, ensuring that you get adequate nutrients and avoid large, heavy meals that can strain your digestive system and contribute to these feelings.

Regular physical activity plays a significant role in preventing dizziness. Training such as balance and coordination exercises improves the body’s ability to adapt and minimizes the occurrence of feeling faint.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also involves managing stress and getting enough sleep. High-stress levels can contribute to episodes of dizziness, while sufficient rest allows your body to recover and function optimally. 

Conclusion

Dizziness can be a frustrating and sometimes debilitating symptom. By understanding its causes, making lifestyle changes, and seeking medical attention when necessary, you can effectively manage dizziness and improve your quality of life.

If you’re experiencing dizziness, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment. With the right steps, you can regain your balance and enjoy a more fulfilling life.

All Day Medical Care Clinic Team

Autor

All Day Medical Care Clinic Team

This article was prepared with the All Day Medical Care Clinic Team and its experienced clinic providers, ensuring accurate and reliable health information.

Guide to Treatment-Resistant STDs for Active Adults

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be a source of stigma and embarrassment, and, unfortunately, this often keeps people from getting...
Read More

Mastering ADHD: Strategies for Adults in Daily Life

About ADHD ADHD, also known as adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, affects 4.4% of American adults aged 18-44 (NAMI, 2023)....
Read More

Work Injury? Get Evaluated and Plan Your Recovery

Unfortunately, workplace injuries are a common problem. In 2020 alone, 2.7 million people sustained nonfatal illnesses and injuries on the job, and...
Read More

Importance of Mental Health Awareness for Healthcare Workers

Mental health in healthcare workers is critical due to the demanding nature of their profession. Healthcare workers often face high...
Read More

Overcoming Trauma: Finding Light in the Darkness

What is Trauma? Trauma is an emotional response to a terrifying and dangerous event, which threatens and harms an individual’s...
Read More

Allergies in Kids: Symptoms & Treatment

Caring for a child's health is a key task for parents. Many people faced with allergies in kids do not...
Read More

Secondary Trauma: Help Others, Protect Yourself

  What is Secondary Trauma Secondary traumatic stress is the emotional duress that results when an individual hears about the...
Read More

How Suboxone Works to Treat Opioid Addiction

  Understanding Opioids and Opioid Addiction Opioids are substances commonly prescribed for pain relief. They activate natural pain receptors in...
Read More

What is Mindfulness? Best Practice for Greater Well-being

Mindfulness is a relatively new field that has gained extremely wide popularity and application in recent years for overcoming distress,...
Read More

How to Cope with Chronic Illness During the Holiday Season

The holiday season is always associated with joy and happiness, but for people with chronic conditions, this time can be...
Read More

Are Your Immunizations Up-to-Date?

If you don’t remember the last time you had an immunization, it could be time to schedule a doctor’s appointment....
Read More

Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

It’s no secret that your blood pressure plays a big role in your heart health, but do you know why?...
Read More

12 Common Illnesses that Peak in the Fall 

With the fall, the human body is exposed to increased stress. The rapid changes in temperature, decreased sunlight and high...
Read More

How Stress Can Increase Your Risk for Heart Disease

Do you know that stress has a great impact on human health, and in most cases, in a negative way?...
Read More

5 Steps for Heart Health: Fight Coronary Disease

What is CAD? CAD, also called heart disease, or coronary heart disease, causes roughly 735,000 hearts attacks and leads to...
Read More

What is RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

What is RSV? It is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract disease in infants and causes >50,000 hospitalizations...
Read More

 Rett Syndrome

Understanding Rett Syndrome Rett syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder that primarily affects young girls. After a period of normal...
Read More

Your Complete Guide to Men’s Health Screenings by Ages

According to a US survey, 33% of men believe they don't need annual men's health screening by age. According to...
Read More

The Differences Between Flu and COVID-19

At a glance, it can be easy to confuse the flu and COVID-19. After all, they’re both respiratory illnesses, they’re...
Read More

Effective Heat Rash Treatment and Prevention

Heat rash, or prickly heat, is a condition caused by blocked sweat ducts. It often appears as a red, bumpy...
Read More

What Is the Difference Between Behavioral Health and Mental Health?

While often used interchangeably, behavioral health vs mental health are distinct concepts. Mental wellness pertains to your psychological well-being, encompassing...
Read More

9 Ways to Boost Your Immunity This Fall

Autumn is a time when our bodies need support. Decreased sunlight, colder temperatures, and higher humidity create favorable conditions for...
Read More

Marathon Running Safety: How to Train Safely

After deciding to take up long-distance running, everyone asks: where to start and what are the best running safety tips?...
Read More

Top 10 Tips to Manage Blood Pressure & Prevent Hypertension

Did you know 1 in 3 adults have high blood pressure? This condition, also known as hypertension, is especially dangerous, because people...
Read More

Flu Season Is Here: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

No one wants to get sick, and that goes double when it involves influenza (flu). This highly contagious respiratory infection often...
Read More

Types of Work Injuries

Did you know that someone gets an injury on the job every seven seconds in the United States? To provide a little...
Read More

Comprehensive Mental Health Treatment for All Disorders

Studies show that almost half of all American adults experience some type of mental illness at some point. Mental disorders can develop...
Read More

Introduction to Stress and Its Impact on Health

The list of stress-related illnesses is only getting longer as the years go by. In moments of special experiences, the...
Read More

How Mental Health Issues Affect Men Differently

Men's mental health issues affect them differently due to various societal, biological, and cultural factors. Men are often expected to...
Read More

Sore Throat vs Strep Symptoms: How To Tell The Difference

Soreness and throat infection are two entirely different maladies with different pathogens and remedies. It is important to tell the...
Read More

What STD Tests Should I Consider?

In 2018, an estimated 68 million people in the United States had an STD, or sexually transmitted disease. Unfortunately, that number was...
Read More

How Can You Ease Back-to-School Anxiety and Stress?

The beginning of the school year usually brings joy to school children. Many of them have missed school for six...
Read More

Understanding Anxiety: What Is It?

Anxiety is a constant companion in our lives. This emotion is built into us by nature to warn us and...
Read More

Telehealth: The Advantages of Telemedicine

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered dramatic changes throughout everyday life — and in the medical community as well. Not only...
Read More

Should I Be Tested for COVID-19?

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a flood of information — many details of which continue to change as the medical community constantly...
Read More

Essential Screenings for Women’s Health Exams

There’s a reason why a routine health exam can feel, well, routine. That’s because these appointments establish a baseline of...
Read More

Staying hydrated is just as important in fall and winter as it is in summer!

Did You Know the Importance of Staying Hydrated During Fall and Winter? When the weather cools down, and the air...
Read More

Keeping Your Holiday and Winter Cheer Bright

The festive holiday season and chilly winter months often come with emotional challenges that can dim your cheer. Shorter days,...
Read More

The Importance of Back-to-School Health Checks for Kids

Confess how often you ignore preventive visits to your doctor's office, when you are feeling well, and nothing is bothering...
Read More

What is Common Cold?

Common cold illnesses tend to affect the upper parts of the respiratory tract, mainly the sinus cavities and throat. Cold...
Read More

Diet and Mental Health: How Nutrition Shapes Your Well-Being

Many of us don't even realize that nutrition and mental health are so strongly linked. According to a study by...
Read More

How To Deal With Pet Allergies: Tips and Tricks

Pets bring their owners a lot of joy and pleasure, but they can also cause a lot of trouble, so...
Read More

Understanding What a Weight Management Program Involves

It’s no secret that losing weight is hard. However, weight management programs give you the tools and confidence you need...
Read More

How to Know if You Have an Urgent Care Need

Advancements in technology have made it possible to get medical care as easily as possible. In fact, thanks to virtual “telemedicine”...
Read More

10 Home Remedies for Strep Throat Symptoms

Pharyngitis or strep throat is one of the most frequent reasons for visiting general physicians and otolaryngologists (statistically about 15%)....
Read More

Parent’s Guide to Teen Depression

Depression in teens is more than just a bad mood. Depression is characterized by a prolonged state of being down,...
Read More

Protect Your Heart and Health: The Importance of Getting a Flu Shot

Protect Your Heart and Health: The Importance of Getting a Flu Shot As the temperature drops and winter approaches, so...
Read More

Home-Based Child Behavioral Disorder Help

No one ever said being a parent was easy. But it can be even more challenging when your child has...
Read More

Can Therapy Save My Marriage?

In the United States, 40-50% of marriages end in divorce. Those numbers can seem alarming, but they’re also starting to drop,...
Read More

Dizziness: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Very often patients come to a neurologist with dizziness. Indeed, no one has ever experienced it. This term describes a...
Read More

We'll text you

Enter your info and we’ll text you shortly.

By clicking Send, I agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and I consent to receiving text messages from this practice acknowledging that data rates may apply. Message frequency varies.