When we were kids, there was nothing more fun than spinning around in circles until feel dizzy. Another way to describe dizziness is as "feeling sick." Dizziness may be accompanied by blurred vision and loss of balance. However, if a person experiences frequent and ongoing problems with dizziness and lightheadedness, the problem may be far from the fun and games. If symptoms last more than 15 minutes, it's time to seek medical help or emergency care.
What Causes Dizziness and Lightheadedness?
Staying upright and balanced is not an easy job for the brain. In addition to dehydration and changing position, other common causes of lightheadedness and vertigo include:
- Allergies
- Vertigo
- Having a cold
- Having Flu
- low blood sugar
- Using tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs
- Dehydration due to vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and other illnesses.
- Very deep or rapid breathing (hyperventilation)
- Very deep or rapid breathing (hyperventilation)
- Anxiety and stress
Some prescription and over-the-counter medications can also cause dizziness.
In some cases, dizziness is due to a more serious condition, including:
- Heart conditions, such as a heart attack or an out-of-rhythm heartbeat
- Internal bleeding (into the internal organs or organ systems)
- A shock that causes a significant drop in blood pressure.
- Stroke
Do you feel dizzy? It's mostly normal, but frequent dizziness can be serious. So, Book an Appointment today with our experienced Neurologists.
When is Dizziness and lightheadedness serious?
Dizziness is not a problem in itself, but when it occurs frequently or over longer periods of time, it could indicate an underlying health problem. When dizziness is accompanied by the following symptoms, a qualified medical professional should be consulted immediately.
- Headache
- High fever
- Chest pain
- Head injury
- Dropping eyes or mouth
- Hearing loss or blurred vision
- Speech difficulties
- Numbness or tingling
- Continuous vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
Medical Treatments For Dizziness And Lightheadedness
Treatment for dizziness focuses on the underlying cause. Here are some treatment options to treat vertigo and lightheadedness:
- Inner ear problems can be controlled with medications and exercises at home that can help control balance.
- Meniere's disease is treated with a healthy low-salt diet, occasional injections, or ear surgery.
- Medication and lifestyle adjustments, such as learning to identify and avoid migraine triggers.
- Medications and techniques to reduce anxiety can help with anxiety disorders.
Home Remedies to Treat Vertigo and Lightheadedness:
Treatment for dizziness focuses on the underlying cause. Here are some treatment options to treat vertigo and lightheadedness:
- Steady yourself by focusing on one object
- Hydrate as soon as possible
- Drink water before eating
- Avoid long hot showers and baths.
- Choose an herbal remedy to stimulate blood circulation
- Drink a glass of apple cider vinegar
- Consume whole grains
- Drink a glass of lemon juice
- Drink ginger tea
How to Avoid Dizziness?
If a person feels dizzy, try these tips that can help minimize it:
- Avoid (or reduce) nicotine, caffeine, and salt. These products alter blood circulation, which increases dizziness.
- Do not drive a car or operate heavy machinery if you often get dizzy without warning
- Eating a nutritious diet rich in a range of nutrients
- Relaxation exercises such as deep breathing, yoga, and meditation can help prevent more stress.
- Drink plenty of fluids (at least eight glasses a day)
- If you're traveling by car, sitting in the passenger seat helps you anticipate upcoming moves, reducing the effects.
- Get enough sleep.
Complications
The most serious complication with dizziness is falling. It can also be dangerous for a person to drive or perform other tasks. If the dizziness is caused by an underlying health problem, one may face other problems if that condition is left untreated.
Citations
- https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/dizziness
- https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/lightheadedness
- https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/dizziness-lightheadedness
- https://hhcseniorservices.org/health-wellness/health-resources/health-library/detail?id=dizzi&lang=en-us
- https://hartfordhospital.org/health-wellness/health-resources/health-library/detail?id=dizzi
