(Nonvertigo Dizziness)
Definition
Definition
Dizziness may cause you to feel light-headed or weak. You may feel like you are going to faint. Dizziness can happen for a short period or be a long-lasting condition that gets in the way of your daily activities. It is different from vertigo, which is a feeling that the room is spinning or rotating while you are still.
Causes
Causes
Many conditions can cause dizziness such as:
- Orthostatic hypotension, a drop in blood pressure when standing
- Neurological conditions
- Conditions that affect how the heart pumps blood to the body
- Anxiety disorders
- Alcohol or illicit drug use
- Infection or fever
- Head injury
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Anemia
Prescription medications can also cause dizziness. These may include:
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- Calcium channel blockers
- Nitrates
- Antipsychotics
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Blood Flow to the BrainIn some cases, dizziness may be due to decreased blood flow to the brain.
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Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Dizziness is a symptom that may be caused by another condition. There are no specific risk factors for dizziness.
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the type of dizziness you have. Common symptoms include:
- Lightheadedness
- Imbalance
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Vision or hearing problems
- Heart palpitations
When Should I Call My Doctor?
Call your doctor if you have:
- Dizziness that increases or gets worse
- Signs of an infection such as fever or chills
- Concern that your medication may be causing dizziness
- Hearing loss
- A headache that occurs with dizziness
- Other symptoms in addition to dizziness
When Should I Call for Medical Help Immediately?
Call for medical help or go to the emergency room right away if you have:
- A head injury
- Rapid, irregular heartbeat, or chest pain
- High fever
Look for and know the signs of stroke. These may include:
- Face drooping—one side of the face is numb or drooping
- Arm weakness—one arm is numb, weak, or drifts downward when trying to raise it up
- Speech difficulty—includes slurring, inability to speak, or inability to repeat a simple sentence
- Leg numbness or weakness
- Confusion or difficulty understanding
- Difficulty walking
- Loss of balance
- Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Your bodily fluid may be tested. This can be done with:
- Blood tests
- Blood pressure measurements
Images may be taken of your bodily structures. This can be done with:
The electrical activity of your heart may be tested. This can be done with an electrocardiogram (ECG).
Other tests may include:
- Tilt table test
- Hearing and vision tests
Treatment
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause of the dizziness. If your dizziness is caused by a condition, the treatment may help reduce symptoms. Examples include:
| Cause | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Orthostatic hypotension | Medication, lifestyle, and dietary changes |
| Motion sickness | Medication and lifestyle changes |
| Anxiety disorder or other mental health condition | Therapy and medication |
| Infection | Antibiotic or antiviral medication |
| Dizziness due to medication that you are taking | Changes to your medication |
| Imbalance | Physical therapy to build strength and balance |
Home Care and Lifestyle Changes
To avoid injuries, make these lifestyle changes:
- If you are feeling dizzy, sit down right away. Also, avoid activities that could cause harm such as driving, using machinery, or climbing a ladder.
- Remove items in your home that could cause you to lose your balance, such as throw rugs and loose electrical cords.
- Place slip-resistant mats in your shower and on your bathroom floor.
- Place night lights in hallways and in the bathroom.
- Use a cane if you feel that you need extra support.
Prevention
Prevention
Try these tips to prevent dizziness:
- Avoid sudden movements.
- Avoid bending down or extending your neck.
- Avoid smoking, drinking excess amounts of alcohol, and using illicit drugs.
- Maintain proper treatment for long-term conditions.
- Get treatment when you have an infection.
- Talk to your doctor right away if you have side effects from your medications.
RESOURCES:
Vestibular Disorders Association http://www.vestibular.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca
References:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated January 14, 2013. Updated April 22, 2014. Accessed December 1, 2014.
Dizziness and motion sickness. American Academy of Otolaryngology website. Available at:
http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/dizzinessMotionSickness.cfm
Updated December 2010. Accessed December 1, 2014.
Dizziness-differential diagnosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated September 8, 2014. Accessed December 1, 2014.
Stroke warning signs and symptoms. American Stroke Association website. Available at:
http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/WarningSigns/Stroke-Warning-Signs-and-Symptoms_UCM_308528_SubHomePage.jsp
Accessed December 1, 2014.
Last Updated: 12/20/2014