Why Do I Feel Dizzy?
Giddiness describes a variety of sensations that are different for everyone. We all experience lightheadedness and woozy feeling at one point, and that’s normal. However, the dizziness becomes problematic when it’s accompanied by double vision, trouble using your legs, chest problems, and vomiting. Visit an emergency room near you when you experience any of these symptoms.
Could It Be Vertigo?
In vertigo, you feel a sudden spinning sensation, often caused by either moving your head too quickly or a problem in the inner ear triggered by various factors such as;
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) caused by the accumulation of calcium particles in the ear
- Fluid buildup and infection in the inner ear can also cause dizziness
Causes of Dizziness
Apart from vertigo, other causes of lightheadedness include;
- Heart muscle disease
- A sudden and dramatic drop in systolic pressure can cause feeling lightheadedness.
- Poor blood circulation caused by conditions such as heart attack or transient ischemic attack. A decrease in blood flow in the inner ear can make the problem worse.
Other causes can include; dehydration, anxiety problems, anemia, migraine, hypoglycemia, excessive exercise, heatstroke, ear infection, or motion sickness.
Though rare, dizziness could be caused by multiple sclerosis, malignant tumor, stroke, or brain disorder.
lightheadedness can affect anyone, but they are common in older adults as they are more likely to have diseases that can cause imbalance.
If you have experienced dizzy episodes before, you might also be a risk in the future.
How Can I Tell am Dizzy?
Dizziness could be described by a variety of sensations including;
- A false sense of spinning
- Loss of balance
- A feeling of swimming or floating
- Unsteadiness
These symptoms can be made worse by standing, walking, moving your head, and at times it may be accompanied by vomiting and nausea.
When to Call Your Doctor
The dizzy episodes may last for seconds or days, and most times they disappear on their own. However, visit our emergency in Lake Jackson if you continue to experience repeated episodes of dizziness or if you have; head injury, high fever, blurry vision, raping and irregular heartbeat, hearing loss, difficulty speaking and breathing, chest pain, ongoing vomiting, numbness and tingling
These symptoms could indicate a serious medical problem.
What to Expect
When you come to Altus Emergency Center in Lake Jackson, the doctor will do a basic test to check your balance and nervous system. We may also do an eye test, head movement, rotary chair testing, and a neurology exam.
Treatment of Dizziness
The treatment focuses on addressing the underlying diseases. In mild cases, dizziness could be managed at home with remedies.
1. Medications
Prescription drugs may make the symptoms manageable even if the dizzy episodes are idiopathic. Our doctor may prescribe water pills or diuretics if you have Meniere’s disease (fluid buildup) or anti-anxiety medications. Furthermore, you may also get medications to ease nausea.
2. Therapy
A variety of therapies can help you cope with dizziness;
- Balance therapy is a combination of exercises that improve your balance system. These exercises can also help people with inner ear condition.
- Psychotherapy is ideal for anxiety-triggered dizzy episodes
- Head positioning techniques are done to resolve vertigo symptoms and should be carried out by a doctor or physical therapist.
3. Surgical procedure
The doctor may inject the inner ear with antibiotics to disable the balance function of the ear and cause the unaffected ear to take over that function.
Can I Prevent Dizzy Episodes?
Yes, with these tips;
- Avoid standing up quickly and consider using a cane for walking if you struggle with balance problems.
- Eat a healthy diet and get enough sleep to avoid stress
- Fall-proof your home to remove hazards and use non-slip mats for stability.
- If you have drug-induced dizziness, talk to the doctor about the possibility of changing the dosage.
Take Charge
Sometimes, dizziness can cause complications such as fainting and loss of balance. So, if you experience recurrent episodes of lightheadedness, call us for an assessment to prevent any medical complications.