Dizziness
Alternative Names:
Disequilibrium
Lightheadedness
Loss of balance
Vertigo
Definition:
Dizziness is a general term for feeling faint or lightheaded without losing consciousness. The condition is often described as a feeling of weakness, unsteadiness, or a loss of balance. A specific form of dizziness called vertigo refers to the feeling that you or your surroundings are moving or spinning. Dizziness can occur when there is a sudden drop in blood pressure due to health conditions or certain medications, or when there are problems with the nerves and structures in the inner ear during infection or inflammation. Dehydration is another common cause of dizziness. Dizziness rarely signals a serious condition and most cases of dizziness or vertigo get better on their own or are easily treated with medication.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of dizziness include:
- Blurred vision when the head is moved quickly
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue
- Feeling that your surroundings are spinning or moving
- Lightheadedness
- Loss of balance
- Nausea
- Pale skin
- Unsteadiness
- Weakness
Seek medical attention if dizziness is accompanied by chest pain, a racing heartbeat, loss of speech, change in vision, high fever, very stiff neck, convulsions, shortness of breath, leg or arm weakness, fainting for more than a few minutes, or hearing loss, as these symptoms may indicate a more serious condition.
Exams/Testing:
In cases of persistent or severe dizziness, a doctor can perform certain tests to determine the cause of dizziness, including:
- Balance testing using electronystagmography (ENG) to check for nerve disorders
- Blood pressure tests
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) test to monitor heart rhythm and heart rate
- Hearing tests
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to examine the head and brain
- Neurological tests
Outlook/Prognosis:
Most cases of dizziness go away on their own or improve with rest and remaining still during attacks of dizziness. Avoid bright lights, sudden changes in posture, caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco to prevent a worsening of symptoms of dizziness. If dizziness is experienced as a side effect of certain medications, talk with a doctor to determine a treatment plan that will lessen dizziness. Drink plenty of fluids if dehydration is causing dizziness. Cases of dizziness that are caused by an ear infection, the flu, sinus congestion, or other infections may require antibiotics, decongestants, or other treatment.
Causes:
Common causes of dizziness include:
- Aging
- Allergies
- Anxiety disorders
- Aspirin
- Blood pressure-lowering medications
- Common cold
- Dehydration (such as occurs after vomiting, diarrhea, fever)
- Ear infection
- Head trauma
- Heart problems (irregular heartbeat, heart attack, clogged arteries)
- Hyperventilation (abnormally fast breathing)
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Low thyroid hormone levels
- Medications such as anti-seizure drugs, tranquilizers, and sedatives
- Medications that damage the inner ear or acoustic nerve
- Migraine or severe headache
- Motion sickness from rapid changes in motion
- Standing up too fast
- Sudden drop in blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension)
- Viral illness, such as the flu
Other causes of dizziness may include:
Causes (specific drugs):
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