DIZZINESS

Dizziness is used to describe symptoms such as feeling faint, lightheaded, unsteady, or woozy. It is a common problem that prompts people to see a healthcare provider.

There are four types of dizziness:

Dizziness that is caused by vestibular system problems may be accompanied by ringing in the ears or vertigo. Vertigo is the sensation of either spinning around yourself or having things spin around you. The vestibular system helps us maintain balance.

Dizziness that is caused by central nervous system problems results from decreased circulation to the brain. It can be caused by blood clots, by bleeding, or spasms in the vessels of the brain. This type of dizziness may also be caused by poor heart function, head trauma, or multiple sclerosis.

Dizziness may occur when the circulatory system makes a delayed adjustment to changes in posture. More serious systemic problems include sudden or long-term blood loss, heart disease, drug reactions, infection, anemia, or metabolic disorders.

Dizziness that is caused by psychological problems, which may cause one to feel lightheaded and result from hyperventilation, severe anxiety, or depression.

Occasional attacks of dizziness lasting seconds to minutes should not cause concern. Dizziness is often associated with changes in the blood flow to the brain. When the delivery of blood, oxygen, or glucose is impaired, you may feel faint, look pale, and want to sit down. Vision may darken. Rarely, loss of consciousness may occur.

Take safety measures if you feel dizzy. Sit in a chair and lower your head between your knees for 3 to 5 minutes, then slowly resume the sitting position. Make a habit of rising slowly from a lying or sitting position. Sit a minute or two before getting up to walk. Do not risk the chance of injury from falling. If driving, pull over to the side of the road where you will be safe. Do not operate machinery while dizzy.

Seek medical evaluation for recurring or persistent dizziness or if you have any other symptoms with dizziness. Treatment will vary depending on the cause.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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