What is dizziness?
There are two types:
- Systemic/vertigo. There is a feeling that all objects revolve around the head or spin inside it.
- Non-systemic. There is a "drunk feeling", feelings of being tossed side to side and floating, and weak legs.
What causes it?
Benign positional vertigo is the most common(18-25 %) of all cases of vertigo. It is caused by turning from side to side in bed, getting out of bed, tilting the head when looking up, and any sharp turns. The attack lasts about a minute and is usually unaccompanied by other symptoms. It is not threatening, but if it bothers you, you may want to see a neurologist.
Ear infections and Migner's disease are often accompanied by a sense of loss of balance, systemic dizziness, decreased hearing, and tinnitus.
Hypertension, which is high blood pressure over 140/90 mm Hg. If in addition to this symptom you have a headache, sweating, swollen hands, red face, or "flies" in front of the eyes, you should consult a doctor.
Hypotension, which is low blood pressure below 90/60 mm Hg. In this case, dizziness and blurred vision occur — for example, if you have been sitting or bent over for a long time and stood up sharply.
Vestibular migraine — dizziness can occur before or after a headache. In other words you may not have a headache but will be dizzy.
Mental disorders such as stress, depression, anxiety, panic attacks can cause persistent postural-perceptual vertigo. It is the third most common type of vertigo in adults in the United States. Dizziness is chronic and symptoms worsen when reading and in crowded places. Some doctors believe that psychogenic vertigo is even more common than vestibular vertigo.
Heat stroke. When exposed to an elevated temperature in conditions of high humidity, dehydration, and impaired body thermoregulation, it is possible for dizziness, fainting, nausea, and palpitations to occur.
Anemia. Some people don't even realize that they are living with anemia and attribute their condition to fatigue and stress. For dizziness, which is accompanied by weakness, pale skin, rapid heartbeat, hair and nail problems, it is worth taking blood tests for hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and vitamin B12.
Cervical hernias. As we age, the intervertebral discs lose elasticity. The growing disc tissue begins to squeeze vessels and nerve fibers, which causes headaches, dizziness, and darkening of the eyes. If these symptoms increase when you turn or tilt your head, you should consult a neurologist.
Hypoglycemia is when someone has low blood sugar. If you have eaten something sweet, the sharp rise in blood sugar levels causes the pancreas to actively produce insulin. It quickly disposes of simple carbohydrates, and since there is no further influx of nutrients, it reduces the glucose level in the blood below the permissible limit. The result is severe weakness and dizziness.
Impaired cerebral circulation. Stroke or transient ischemic attack is indicated by "flickering" before the eyes, severe dizziness, weakness in the arm and leg on one side, nausea, vomiting, speech disorders or loss of facial symmetry. If this happens, call an ambulance right away.
How to treat dizziness
- lie down until the dizziness passes, then stand up slowly;
- move slowly and carefully — do not suddenly bend over or stand up from sitting or lying down;
- get plenty of rest and drink plenty of water;
- avoid coffee, cigarettes, and alcohol.
It is necessary to see a doctor if dizziness occurs suddenly and often, especially if it is intense or prolonged.
You should call an ambulance if dizziness is accompanied by double vision or loss of vision, loss of hearing, slurred speech, weakness in the legs or arms, numbness or tingling, sudden headache, chest pain, fever or chills.
