If you have dizziness, you may feel like you are spinning or falling when you are standing still. Or you may feel like everything around you is spinning.
Dizziness can be very uncomfortable. Persistent dizziness can keep you from doing your usual activities. It can make you not want to exercise or make driving unsafe.
Dizziness is a symptom of many disorders, making the list of potential causes quite long.
The most common causes of dizzines are:
1. Inner Ear Problems
One of the most common symptoms of inner ear problems is dizziness, which affects balance and coordination. People with dizziness may feel like they are spinning.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), an inner ear problem, often causes dizziness. With BPPV, small calcium crystals called otoliths break free and float in the fluid inside your inner ear canal. Your brain receives mixed signals, and you may feel like everything around you is spinning.
Meniere disease (MD) is another common inner ear problem caused by too much fluid building up in the ear.
2. Migraines
Vestibular migraines, which cause dizziness, occur in about 7% of people with vertigo and 9% of people with migraines.
- In addition to dizziness, migraines can often cause symptoms such as:
- Severe headache
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light
- Vomiting
If you have chronic migraines, knowing some common warning signs can help you prepare for or prevent an attack. In addition, your doctor may ask you to keep track of your symptoms, when they occur, how they feel, and how long they last.
3. Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure caused by changing position from lying down to standing can cause dizziness. Also known as orthostatic hypotension, this type of dizziness is caused by gravity moving blood quickly from the upper body to the lower body. The reduced blood volume in the upper body then causes low blood pressure.
Many people may not show any signs of low blood pressure. On the other hand, some people may experience dizziness and other symptoms such as blurred vision, confusion, fainting, and fatigue.
4. Poor Blood Circulation
Poor blood circulation to the brain can cause dizziness, weakness, numbness, and tingling. If your blood circulation is poor, your brain will not receive enough blood.
Cerebrovascular diseases, or diseases related to blood flow to the brain, can cause poor blood circulation.
5. Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease can cause dizziness. This condition affects the motor system and causes tremors in the hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face.
Dizziness can occur in people with Parkinson’s disease if their blood pressure drops.
6. Medications
Some medications can cause dizziness if they cause low blood pressure.
- Diuretics, which help your body get rid of salt and water
- Heart medications, such as beta blockers
- Medications for Parkinson’s disease
- Tricyclic antidepressants for depression
Talk to your doctor about your medications if you experience dizziness. They may be able to adjust your dosage or suggest an alternative treatment that doesn’t cause this side effect.
7. Low blood sugar
Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, occurs when your body doesn’t get enough sugar. When your blood sugar is low, you may feel shaky, dizzy, anxious, weak, and hungry. Low blood sugar can also cause confusion and difficulty speaking.
Snacking can help lower your blood sugar. Carbohydrates, in particular, can help bring your blood sugar back to normal quickly.
If this dizziness occurs frequently, you may want to consult your healthcare provider.
8. Anemia
It is important to get enough iron in your diet or through supplements. Iron helps you produce red blood cells and supports your immune system. If you do not have enough iron in your body, you may develop iron deficiency anemia.
9. Dehydration
Dizziness can be caused by not drinking enough water. Dehydration can also cause you to be thirsty, urinate more, sweat less than usual, and have dark-colored urine.
10. Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety and panic attacks can cause dizziness not only in themselves but also in other physical symptoms, including: Rapid heartbeat, Chills, sweating, or shaking, Tingling or numbness in the hands, Shortness of breath, Unexplained aches and pains
Avoiding anxiety triggers, such as caffeine and certain medications, can help prevent this type of dizziness. However, some anxiety triggers are not easy to avoid. If an anxiety attack is imminent, focus on slowing your breathing or using a calming mantra. Rapid, shallow breathing will only make dizziness or lightheadedness worse.
11. Heat Illness
Exposure to heat can lead to dizziness and heat exhaustion if you are not hydrated or prepared for extreme temperatures. Heat-related illnesses can also make you feel nauseous and confused.
If you are in an environment with extreme temperatures, stay hydrated, stay cool, and limit your time outdoors. If you see someone with symptoms of heat-related illness, help them stay out of the sun. For fatal symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
12. Food Allergies
Allergic reactions and low blood pressure can cause this condition.
Allergic reactions occur when the body’s immune system reacts to certain proteins in food. These reactions can range from mild to severe, even life-threatening. Avoid food allergies whenever possible by being careful when eating out.
