Dizziness: types, most common causes, symptoms and treatments

It is very hot. We have not eaten. We travel by car. We get up suddenly after a long time lying down. It is likely that in some of these situations we have suddenly experienced a dizziness that threatens to make us fall to the ground or that leaves us stunned.

Most people know and possibly have experienced some dizziness throughout their life. But, what is it and why is it produced? In this article we are going to talk about dizziness, its causes, symptoms and treatment .

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Dizziness: definition and main symptoms

The concept of dizziness refers to a feeling of acute and sudden discomfort that appears in various situations such as sudden movements, alterations in blood glucose levels or stress. It is not a disorder in itself but it is usually a symptom that there is some kind of alteration in our body.

The main symptoms that indicate that we are dizzy are the presence of vertigo (which gives the feeling that things are spinning) and of the sensation of alteration or narrowness of consciousness in the form of dullness , which can come together with a limitation of the perceptual field we serve.

It is common for blurred vision, headache and agitation to appear. Another typical element is postural instability and loss of muscle tone. The cardiorespiratory rhythm is usually altered and it is not uncommon for digestive symptoms to appear, such as nausea or vomiting.

Sometimes it leads to temporary loss of consciousness, in the form of syncope and we can experience mental slowness and speech difficulties, as well as profuse sweating and ringing in the ears.

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Types of dizziness

There are several classifications of dizziness depending on aspects such as its persistence or mode of appearance, although they can appear in different disorders and syndromes such as vertiginous ones. Next we will see one of them, concretely the one reflected by GAES.

1. Acute dizziness

This type of dizziness occurs suddenly and lasts a few hours before disappearing by itself, as if it were an outbreak. This outbreak will reappear later. It often appears next to hearing loss .

2. Sudden dizziness

It is characterized by a sudden onset of sensations of instability and discomfort. Although it persists for a period that can last for months, it diminishes with time. Within this type is the well-known benign postural vertigo , caused by sudden movements, or the own inflammation of the ear.

3. Persistent dizziness

The most worrying since usually associated with nerve or brain disorders or even tumors , persistent dizziness is that which occurs insidiously and progressively increases with time.

Why are they produced?

The causes of dizziness are usually of minor importance and easily treatable, although it must always be borne in mind that they can be a symptom of the existence of pathologies of greater or lesser severity.

In this sense, It is not a bad idea to see a doctor if it is accompanied by other symptoms or it can not be attributed a specific cause. The alteration usually occurs at the level of the vestibular system or affect it or the integration of the information it provides.

1. Feeding and hydration

One of the reasons why we can become dizzy is found linked to the excessive presence or absence of certain nutrients in our body through our diet, or in the absence of hydration.

For example, one of the most common times when we suffer from dizziness is when we suffer from hypoglycaemia . In these cases the absence of enough glucose in the blood generates the weakness and dizziness that can lead to fainting.

The dizziness of this alteration can come from not eating enough or being anemic, exercising in such a way that we burn the blood sugar, or suffering from diseases such as diabetes (in which case it can be dangerous and sugar has been consumed quickly). Also the absence of other essential components such as iron can cause dizziness due to anemia.

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2. Blood pressure

The elevation or decrease in blood pressure is another reason why dizziness may occur. Being exposed to excessive temperatures It can make us sick. The same can be said about the lack of hydration.

3. Movement

Another reason why dizziness may appear is to perform accelerating or decelerating movements that cause our visual and vestibular system to contradict each other. For example before sudden and rapid movements or during trips in different types of vehicles (this is the case of motion sickness or motion sickness).

4. Hormones and medications

Taking some medications can cause dizziness as a side effect, as well as hormones. It is not uncommon for example that during menstruation or pregnancy may appear .

5. Serious illnesses

As we have said sometimes the alterations that generate dizziness can be serious. Dizzy can indicate the existence of cardiovascular problems such as myocardial or cerebral infarction, diabetes mellitus (whether or not known in advance by the patient), alterations in the composition of the blood, infections such as herpes, problems in the spine or inner ear or even tumors.

Finally, we can find dizziness caused by psychological causes: stress, depression, anxiety or phobias sometimes generate this type of discomfort.

Treatment

In most cases dizziness occurs sporadically and does not require treatment. However, in cases in which the treatment to be used will depend on the specific cause of the dizziness.

For example, if it is due to a medical disease, the treatment in question will depend on the affected area that causes it and the disease itself. In the case of anemia or food-derived problems changes in the diet should begin to be introduced, as well as the execution of exercise according to the case.

Increase blood pressure level by hydration or the administration of medication or serum as the case may also be necessary, as well as avoiding exposure to elevated temperatures for too long. Establishing sufficient rest periods, eating properly, and leading an active life are usually highly recommended.

In the case of dizziness linked to psychological problems like stress , the consumption of tranquilizers and the realization of therapies such as habituation or relaxation are very useful, as well as learning new ways of dealing with situations can be of great help.

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Severe Dizziness, How to Manage your Vertigo (April 2024).