Dizziness

Dizziness is a term used to describe various sensations including feeling faint, woozy, weak, unsteady, or a sense of spinning (vertigo). It's a common symptom that can have many causes, ranging from minor issues like dehydration to more serious conditions like heart problems or neurological disorders.

Most cases of dizziness are not serious and resolve on their own or with simple treatment. However, dizziness can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying condition, especially if it's severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms.

Dizziness can feel different depending on the cause:

Types of Dizziness:

• Lightheadedness: Feeling faint or about to pass out
• Vertigo: Sensation of spinning or movement
• Unsteadiness: Feeling off-balance
• Floating sensation: Feeling disconnected from surroundings

Associated Symptoms (may accompany dizziness):

• Nausea or vomiting
• Sweating
• Headache
• Ringing in ears (tinnitus)
• Hearing loss
• Vision changes
• Difficulty walking
• Rapid heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath

Call Emergency Services (112 in Sweden) if:

• Dizziness with chest pain
• Dizziness with severe headache
• Dizziness with difficulty breathing
• Dizziness with fainting or loss of consciousness
• Dizziness with numbness or weakness
• Dizziness with difficulty speaking
• Dizziness after head injury
• Severe, sudden dizziness

For mild dizziness:

1. Sit or Lie Down:

   • Prevents falls
   • Wait for dizziness to pass
   • Don't drive or operate machinery

2. Stay Hydrated:

   • Drink plenty of fluids
   • Especially if dehydrated
   • Water, electrolyte solutions

3. Move Slowly:

   • Stand up slowly
   • Change positions gradually
   • Avoid sudden movements

4. Avoid Triggers:

   • Alcohol
   • Caffeine (if it affects you)
   • Stress
   • Fatigue

5. Rest:

   • Get adequate sleep
   • Don't overexert
   • Take breaks

6. Eat Regularly:

   • Don't skip meals
   • Low blood sugar can cause dizziness
   • Small, frequent meals if needed

• Dizziness with chest pain
• Dizziness with severe headache
• Dizziness with difficulty breathing
• Dizziness with fainting
• Dizziness with neurological symptoms
• Dizziness after head injury
• Severe, sudden dizziness

• Persistent or recurrent dizziness
• Dizziness affecting daily activities
• Dizziness with hearing loss
• Dizziness with vision changes
• Dizziness after starting new medication
• Dizziness with other concerning symptoms
• Questions about dizziness

• Mild, occasional dizziness
• Known cause (dehydration, etc.)
• Resolves quickly
• No other concerning symptoms

Evaluating dizziness may involve:

1. Medical History and Physical Exam:

   • Description of dizziness
   • When it occurs
   • Associated symptoms
   • Medications
   • Physical examination

2. Hearing and Balance Tests:

   • Hearing test
   • Balance assessment
   • Eye movement tests
   • Positional testing

3. Blood Tests:

   • Complete blood count
   • Blood sugar
   • Electrolytes
   • Thyroid function

4. Imaging Tests (if needed):

   • CT scan of head
   • MRI of brain
   • May show structural causes

5. Heart Tests (if cardiac cause suspected):

   • ECG/EKG
   • Holter monitor
   • Echocardiogram

Treatment depends on the cause:

Inner Ear Problems:

• Medications for vertigo
• Balance exercises (vestibular rehabilitation)
• Epley maneuver (for BPPV)
• Lifestyle modifications

Medication-Related:

• Adjust or change medications
• Lower doses
• Different medications

Dehydration:

• Increase fluid intake
• Electrolyte replacement
• Address underlying cause

Low Blood Pressure:

• Increase salt intake (if appropriate)
• Compression stockings
• Medications if needed
• Stand up slowly

Anxiety:

• Stress management
• Therapy
• Medications if needed

Other Causes:

• Treat underlying condition
• Medications as needed
• Physical therapy
• Lifestyle changes

Prevent dizziness by:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids
• Eat Regularly: Don't skip meals
• Move Slowly: Stand up gradually
• Limit Alcohol: Can cause dizziness
• Manage Stress: Stress can trigger dizziness
• Review Medications: Some cause dizziness
• Get Adequate Sleep: Fatigue can contribute
• Exercise Regularly: Improves balance and strength

Dizziness can result from:

Inner Ear Problems:

• Balance system in inner ear
• Vestibular system
• Signals to brain disrupted

Blood Pressure Changes:

• Sudden drops in pressure
• Standing up too quickly
• Medication effects

Blood Sugar:

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• High blood sugar (diabetes)

Brain Issues:

• Stroke
• Migraine
• Neurological conditions

Medications:

• Side effects
• Blood pressure medications
• Other medications

Other Causes:

• Dehydration
• Anemia
• Anxiety
• Heart problems

• More common with age
• Higher risk of falls
• May have multiple causes
• Medications more likely to cause
• May need balance training

• Common symptom
• Often related to inner ear
• May be medication-related
• Stress and anxiety common causes

Dizziness is a general term for feeling unsteady. Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness where you feel like you or your surroundings are spinning.

Seek immediate care if dizziness is severe, sudden, or accompanied by chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting, or neurological symptoms. Also see a doctor if it's persistent or affecting your daily life.

Yes. Many medications can cause dizziness, including blood pressure medications, antidepressants, sedatives, and others. If you suspect a medication, discuss with your doctor.

It depends on the cause. Some episodes last seconds to minutes, others can persist. If dizziness is persistent or recurrent, see a healthcare provider.

Some causes can be prevented by staying hydrated, eating regularly, moving slowly, managing stress, and reviewing medications. However, some causes cannot be prevented.