SHARES
Dizziness is described as the feeling of spinning while being off-balance. More specific terms sometimes depict the symptoms clearly, such as:
- Disequilibrium: Unsteadiness
- Lightheaded: Faint or woozy
- Vertigo: Spinning sensation when you are not moving
Dizziness is common, especially among older folks. Although its underlying cause is not usually fatal, it could lead to life-threatening situations in the event of injuries.
Top causes of dizziness:
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Hypoglycaemia (Low blood sugar)
Glucose, or sugar, is required for the body to generate energy to keep the body going. However, many situations could lead to low blood sugar, hypoglycaemia. Among them are skipping meals, consuming alcohol, taking diabetes medications or having a hormonal imbalance.
When there is low blood sugar, the body goes on reserve to use as little energy as possible, including the brain. Hence, this can result in lightheadedness or confusion. Other symptoms of low blood sugar are feeling shaky, fatigue, fast heartbeat, cold sweat, hunger and irritability.
A quick remedy to low blood sugar is to consume fast-acting carbohydrates. For example, drink a glass of fruit juice or suck on hard candy. Be mindful to take a more nourishing meal after that. If you often get hypoglycaemia, it may be necessary to adjust your diabetes medication to achieve a steady blood sugar level.
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Hypotension (low blood pressure)
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the blood vessel walls as it circulates. Multiple conditions can cause low blood pressure (hypotension). These conditions include heart problems, certain medications, serious injury and dehydration. The older adults are also more prone to postural hypotension. This is a temporary drop in blood pressure which happens you stand up from a sitting or lying position.
Common symptoms of hypotension are dizziness or lightheadedness, and fatigue.
You can resolve hypotension temporarily by drinking a glass of water to increase blood volume while resting on a chair. Regardless, treating the underlying cause of hypotension should normalise blood pressure. Sometimes, doctors may also recommend adding more salt to your food or wearing support stockings.
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Dehydration
Dehydration happens when the body does not have enough fluid. Not eating or drinking enough can precipitate dehydration, especially during hot weather, after exercising or during sick days. Lack of fluid can cause blood volume to reduce, again, causing dizziness. In severe cases, dehydration can also manifest as fatigue, little to no urine, and confusion.
Drinking fluids or electrolyte solution may be a quick fix to dehydration. However, if you have not been eating or drinking properly for days, administrating intravenous (IV) fluids at the hospital may be necessary to rehydrate the body.
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Medications
Some medications may cause dizziness or fatigue. These include certain antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, muscle relaxants or sleeping pills. Medications that reduce blood pressure or increases urination can also cause dizziness if they reduce blood pressure too much.
If being dizzy or tired while on medications become bothersome, always consult your doctor to lower the dose or switch to another medication.
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Cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease is a term for diseases related to the heart and the blood vessels. Certain conditions can restrict the blood flow, such as blood clots, clogged arteries, heart failure or irregular heartbeat. As a result, the brain may not receive enough oxygenated blood, leading to dizziness.
Sometimes, lightheadedness may be a sign of heart attack or stroke, especially among older adults. A heart attack is a suspect if lightheadedness persists and accompanied by symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, arm pain, back pain or jaw pain. On the other hand, stroke may occur with sudden headache, numbness, weakness, visual changes, trouble walking or slurred speech. As a rule, head to the emergency department immediately if you have dizziness and lightheadedness along with the symptoms described above.
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Vertigo
Vertigo is a sensation of feeling off-balance. The cause of vertigo is frequently an inner ear problem, namely benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease or labyrinthitis.
This condition is usually triggered by a change in head position. It is described as spinning, tilting, swaying, unbalanced or being pulled in various directions. Other symptoms may include feeling nauseated, vomiting, abnormal eye movements, headache, sweating or tinnitus. The symptoms may last a few minutes to a few hours and may come and go.
The treatment of vertigo is dependent on its an underlying cause. In most cases, vertigo goes away without any treatment as the brain adapt to changes in the inner ear. Nevertheless, vestibular rehabilitation, medicine or surgery may be necessary for some. On the other hand, Epley manoeuvre is a series of movements recommended for BPPV to remove calcium deposits in the ear canal.
Conclusion
Dizziness is a common condition that often resolves on its own when the underlying cause is treated. Generally see your doctor for unexplained persistent, or sudden severe dizziness and vertigo In rare cases, dizziness may signal a heart attack or stroke, go for immediate emergency treatment. Regardless, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery when experiencing headache and dizziness to avoid accidents & injuries.
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by Joanne Lee
Multipotentialite. Loves creating and seeing ideas come alive. View all articles by Joanne Lee.
