Dizziness is the feeling that you or the things around you are moving or spinning. This feeling can last from a few seconds to a few minutes, or even a few hours. It can also occur when a person changes position, such as going from lying down to standing or from standing to lying down. Inner ear problems are often the main culprits for dizziness or lightheadedness, such as Meniere’s disease or acoustic neuroma.
What are the common causes of dizziness?
A variety of factors can cause symptoms of dizziness, including high blood pressure, anxiety, and food allergies. Some central nervous system disorders or cardiovascular causes can also cause dizziness or lightheadedness, including stroke or transient ischemic attack. Your doctor may need to evaluate your medical history, conduct exams, and perform tests to successfully diagnose the cause. Many people experience dizziness, and it’s usually nothing to be alarmed about. But sometimes, it can be a warning sign of a serious underlying medical condition.
Warning Signs of Dizziness That Can Be Serious
In some cases, dizziness can be a sign of the following serious conditions when accompanied by the following symptoms:
1. Chest Pain
Pain or discomfort in the chest that may feel like pressure, squeezing, tightness, or fullness. Dizziness, in addition to chest pain, can also be a sign of a heart attack.
If these symptoms last longer than 15 minutes, you should seek prompt medical attention. You should also call your local emergency number immediately if the pain seems to be spreading or you feel short of breath.
2. Fever
Dizziness, fever, loss of balance, difficulty speaking, and drooping of the face can be signs of a stroke. Call 911 immediately if these signs appear.
Stroke is one of the leading causes of serious long-term disability and death. Recognizing the signs of a stroke and seeking prompt medical attention is important to reduce the risk of this potentially life-threatening condition.
3. Shortness of breath
When you have difficulty breathing, you may struggle to take deep breaths or gasp for air. Dizziness and shortness of breath can be warning signs of life-threatening conditions such as a blood clot in the lungs or arteries or even a heart attack.
Contact your doctor right away if you have these symptoms. They can advise you whether you should go to the emergency room.
4. Difficulty walking
Sudden dizziness, difficulty walking, confusion, severe headache, and weakness on one side of the body can be a stroke. Because blood flow is affected when you have a stroke, getting help sooner will increase your chances of survival.
5. Falling
If you are over 65, have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, and have recently experienced dizziness, you may be having a stroke.
You may feel like the room is spinning or that you are falling sideways. If dizziness accompanies a fall, you need immediate medical attention.
6. Stiff neck
A severe or pounding headache, stiff neck, dizziness, and vision changes can be symptoms of a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), especially if they occur suddenly.
A subarachnoid hemorrhage occurs when blood leaks into the space between the first and second membranes that surround the brain. Usually, a swollen blood vessel bursts, causing this condition.
The buildup of blood increases pressure inside the skull, which can cause brain damage. Subarachnoid hemorrhage is also involved in about 5 percent of strokes.
Go to the nearest emergency room if you experience these symptoms.
