Guide Note

Dizziness is lightheadedness, feeling like you might faint, feeling unsteady, loss of balance, or vertigo. Dizziness can mean different things to different people. Dizziness can happen once or it can be an ongoing problem. Dizziness is a symptom, not a disease.

Your bodies sense of balance comes from three places, your eyes, your inner ear and your sensory nerves. When these three signals are sent to your brain and they start to conflict it can cause a loss of balance which can produce dizziness. Vertigo, which is the feeling of moving when you aren't moving, is caused by a problem with signals in the vestibular system of the inner ear and is a common cause of dizziness. Lightheadedness, feeling like you might faint, is another type of dizziness and can be caused by an interruption in blood flow to the brain, like when you stand up to fast. Lightheadedness can also be caused by anemia, loss of blood, anxiety, stress, medications and various other causes. Dysequilibrium, a sense of unbalance, is another cause of dizziness.

Treatment for dizziness will depend on the underlying cause. Some things you can do at home are drink plenty of fluids and eat a proper diet, Stand more slowly and avoid caffeine, tobacco and alcohol.

Fast Facts

1. Most causes are not serious and either quickly resolve or are easily treated
2. One of the most common reasons older adults visit their doctors
3. Increases risk of falling
4. Anxiety disorders linked to 60% of chronic dizziness
5. Inner ear infection can cause dizziness
6. Common complaint
7. Common in all age groups
8. Can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting

Disclaimer

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have Dizziness, please consult your doctor.