Although it's not usually caused by anything life-threatening, it could be, so you need to be careful. Even if the lightheadedness does not have a serious cause, it could lead to serious injuries from a fall. And at the worst, the cause may itself be life-threatening," says Dr. Shamai Grossman, an associate professor of emergency medicine at Harvard Medical School. Grossman recommends having a drink of water or orange juice and lying down. If symptoms last more than 15 minutes, he says it's time to seek medical help in an urgent or emergency care setting.
Even if symptoms are brief, and even if you think you know the cause, report the lightheadedness to your doctor. You may become dehydrated if you're overheated, if you aren't eating or drinking enough , or if you're sick. Without enough fluids, the volume of your blood goes down, lowering your blood pressure and keeping your brain from getting enough blood, causing lightheadedness.
You may need an intravenous infusion of fluid. A doctor can check to see if you need electrolytes like potassium or salt. Sometimes medications make you feel lightheaded, especially those that lower your blood pressure or make you urinate more. Diuretics are notorious for this," says Dr. The fix may be as simple as adjusting the dose or trying a different drug.
The autonomic nervous system helps the body regulate the shift in blood pressure when we stand up. As we get older, this system may deteriorate, causing a temporary drop in blood pressure when we stand—known as orthostatic hypotension—resulting in lightheadedness.
This may be a long-term problem, but there are medications to treat it, such as midodrine ProAmatine and fludrocortisone Florinef , so this too warrants a trip to your doctor. It may only take a drink of juice to relieve your symptoms, but it's best to get your blood sugar levels checked, especially if you need more glucose sugar in intravenous or pill form.
At its most serious, lightheadedness may be a sign of a heart attack or stroke. Common causes of dizziness include a migraine, medications, and alcohol. It can also be caused by a problem in the inner ear, where balance is regulated.
Dizziness is often a result of vertigo as well. The most common cause of vertigo and vertigo-related dizziness is benign positional vertigo BPV. This causes short-term dizziness when someone changes positions quickly, such as sitting up in bed after lying down. This causes fluid to build up in the ear with associated ear fullness, hearing loss, and tinnitus.
Another possible cause for dizziness and vertigo is an acoustic neuroma. This is a noncancerous tumor that forms on the nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain. In rare cases, dizziness could be caused by multiple sclerosis , a stroke, a malignant tumor, or another brain disorder. Sometimes, dizziness is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or fainting. Seek emergency medical help if you have these symptoms for extended periods.
You should call your doctor if you continue to have repeated bouts of dizziness. You should also notify your doctor immediately if you experience sudden dizziness along with:. Your doctor can narrow down the cause of dizziness and any other symptoms by performing a physical examination. Your doctor may also check your eyes and ears, do a neurological physical exam, observe your posture, and perform tests to check balance.
Treatment for dizziness focuses on the underlying cause. In most cases, home remedies and medical treatments can control the cause of dizziness.
For example:. Most cases of dizziness clear up on their own once the underlying cause is treated. In rare cases, dizziness can be a sign of a more serious health problem. Dizziness may result in complications when it causes fainting or a loss of balance. This can be especially dangerous when a person is driving or operating heavy machinery. Use caution if you feel an episode of dizziness coming on.
If you become dizzy, stop driving immediately or find a safe place to steady yourself until it passes. If you are dizzy often, you should see your health care provider to find the cause. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice.
Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. Dizziness and Vertigo. See, Play and Learn No links available. Research Clinical Trials Journal Articles. Resources Reference Desk Find an Expert. Start Here. What are the Symptoms of a Vestibular Disorder? Vestibular Disorders Association. Diagnosis and Tests.
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