Dizziness Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

Types of Dizziness

Dizziness can be classified into several types:

• Vertigo – This is when you feel like you or your surroundings are spinning.
• Lightheadedness – This feels like you might faint or lose consciousness.
• Balance problems – You may feel unsteady without feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
• Disorientation – This is when you feel confused or unsure about where you are.

Some individuals experience dizziness that does not fit neatly into these categories, making it harder to diagnose.

What Causes Dizziness?

Dizziness happens when the body's balance system is not working right. This system gets signals from the ears, eyes, muscles, and nerves. If the brain misreads these signals, dizziness can occur.

There are many reasons for dizziness, and each type has different causes. That is why doctors focus on specific symptoms when someone feels dizzy.

Common causes include:

Lightheadedness or Faintness

• Orthostatic hypotension – A fast drop in blood pressure when getting up.
• Anaemia – Dizziness can occur with low iron levels since the blood does not have enough oxygen.
• Heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) – An irregular heartbeat can lead to a quick drop in the amount of blood reaching the brain.
• Panic attacks and anxiety – Over-breathing (hyperventilation) can trigger dizziness.
• Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)- A condition where your heart rate rises quickly when you get up from a seated or lying position, potentially causing you to feel dizzy.
• Motion sickness- This condition happens when the movement you see is different from what your inner ear senses and can cause dizziness, nausea, and vomiting
• Medications – Certain drugs can cause dizziness as a side effect.
• Dehydration and low blood sugar – Not drinking enough fluids or skipping meals can trigger dizziness.
• Fever

Vertigo (Spinning Sensation)

• Inner ear infections – Labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis.
• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) – A condition where head movements trigger dizziness.
• Ménière’s disease – An inner ear disorder causing vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss.
• Migraine-associated vertigo – Some migraines can cause dizziness.
• Stroke – Certain types of strokes can affect balance.

Loss of Balance (Disequilibrium)

• Ageing – Balance problems are common among older adults for several reasons.
• Inner ear disorders – Conditions like labyrinthitis can affect balance.
• Head injuries – Trauma can affect how the brain processes balance information.
• Neurological conditions – Stroke or multiple sclerosis can cause coordination issues.
• Alcohol and drug use – Substances that affect the nervous system can impair balance.

When Should You Be Concerned About Dizziness?

Minor infections can cause dizziness, but it is generally not dangerous. However, you should consult a doctor if you experience:

• Continuous or frequent dizziness.
• Loss of hearing or vision.
• Fainting or issues with memory.
• Severe headaches that worsen when lying down or coughing.
• Numbness, weakness, or trouble speaking.
• Unusual heart rate, either too slow or too fast.
• Ringing or throbbing in the ears, especially in one ear (Tinnitus).

If you experience sudden or severe dizziness, especially with chest pain or trouble breathing, get medical help right away. Dizziness that comes with fainting during exercise also requires immediate attention.

Complications of Dizziness

While dizziness is not always a major concern, it can cause complications such as:

• Falls and injuries – Particularly in older adults.
• Difficulty driving – Dizziness can make driving unsafe.
• Impact on daily life – Frequent dizziness can interfere with work and routine activities.
• Underlying medical conditions – Some causes of dizziness may worsen if left untreated.

Tests and Diagnosis

A GP will evaluate your symptoms and might perform the following:

• Physical examination – Checking balance, coordination, and vital signs.
• Ear examination – To identify infections or inner ear problems.
• Eye movement tests – Looking for signs of abnormal motion.
• Blood pressure and heart rate checks – To rule out cardiovascular causes.
• Neurological tests – To assess brain and nerve function.

Depending on the suspected causes, more tests such as blood tests, MRI scans, or ECGs may be required.

Dizziness Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the underlying cause:

• Inner ear conditions – To treat BPPV, head-positioning methods like the Epley manoeuvre are commonly used. In the case of Ménière’s disease, it may be important to change your diet and take medication.
• Heart-related dizziness – Medications, pacemakers, or lifestyle adjustments may help.
• Anxiety-related dizziness – Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or medication may be recommended.
• Medication side effects – Adjusting or changing prescriptions can reduce dizziness.

Sometimes, taking medicine can help with dizziness. This might be necessary while you wait for it to improve (like in labyrinthitis), while you wait for tests to find the cause, or if you have a condition that is not easily treated.

Can Dizziness Be Prevented?

Although not every case of dizziness can be prevented, these tips might help:

• Drink enough water and have meals on time.
• Move slowly, especially when getting up.
• Use relaxation methods to handle stress and anxiety.
• Cut back on alcohol and stay away from recreational drugs.
• Stick to your doctor's advice about medications.

Last Word

Dizziness can happen occasionally, and that is normal. However, if it happens a lot or is intense, do not ignore it. Seeing a healthcare professional can help identify the cause and the best way to treat it.

For more information and treatment options for Dizziness, kindly reach out to us to book an appointment.