The 10 Most Common Causes of Dizziness

Dizziness is a common sensation that can be disturbing and interfere with everyday life. It can often make you feel as if the world is spinning, leading to unsteadiness and sometimes nausea. For effective treatment and prevention, it is important to understand the causes of dizziness. Here are the top ten most common causes of dizziness and vertigo:

1. Inner ear problem

Essential for maintaining balance is the inner ear. Problems such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo occur when tiny particles of calcium build up in the ear canals of the inner ear. When you change your head position, this condition causes brief episodes of dizziness. Infected or inflamed inner ear can also cause dizziness.

2. Dehydration

Dehydration reduces the volume of your blood. This lowers your blood pressure and reduces blood flow to your brain. This can cause dizziness and lightheadedness. Especially in hot weather or during intense physical activity, staying hydrated is essential. Low blood sugar Low blood sugar or low blood glucose can cause dizziness. This is a common condition in people with diabetes who are taking insulin or other medicines for diabetes. You can also get low blood sugar by skipping meals, exercising too much, or drinking too much alcohol.

4. Medicines

Dizziness can be a side effect of certain medicines. These include medicines for high blood pressure, antidepressants, tranquilizers, and some antibiotics. If you have a suspicion that your medication is a cause of dizziness, talk to your doctor about alternatives or adjustments.

5. Anaemia

Anaemia, especially iron deficiency anemia, reduces the number of red blood cells that are available to carry oxygen to the brain and other parts of the body. This can cause you to feel dizzy, tired, and weak. A blood test can diagnose anemia, which can be treated with diet changes and supplements.

6. Heart conditions

Heart problems such as irregular heartbeat, heart attack, and heart failure can affect the blood flow to the brain and cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness at the same time as chest pain, shortness of breath, or an irregular heartbeat, you should seek immediate medical attention.

7. Migraine headache

A migraine is a severe headache that can cause dizziness, also known as a vestibular migraine. These migraines may include sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and visual disturbances and may occur with or without headache pain.

8. Anxiety and stress

Dizziness can be a physical manifestation of anxiety and stress. Stress affects the body in many ways, and dizziness can be a physical manifestation of anxiety. These symptoms can be reduced by learning stress management techniques.

9. Vestibular neuritis

Vestibular neuropathy is a condition in which the nerve that sends balance signals from the inner ear to the brain becomes inflamed. It can cause severe dizziness, balance problems and nausea. Medication and balance exercises usually improve the condition.

10. Hypotension

Low blood pressure (hypotension) can make you feel dizzy, especially if you stand up quickly. This is caused by a sudden drop in blood flow to the brain. Causes of low blood pressure include dehydration, loss of blood, and certain medicines.

Summary

Dizziness or vertigo should be discussed with a healthcare professional. At Racemous Polyclinic, experienced healthcare providers can perform a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment. Understanding the common causes of dizziness can help you take proactive steps to maintain your balance and well-being. If you’re experiencing frequent dizziness, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice for a comprehensive assessment and personalized treatment plan.