10 REASONS YOU GET... DIZZY
1 LOW BLOOD PRESSURE
Low blood pressure, or hypotension, can sometimes result in not enough blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs, leading to dizziness, unsteadiness, fainting and blurred vision. This is often caused by medication designed to control blood pressure.
2 ...OR LOW BLOOD SUGAR
Diabetics will be used to the warning signs of low blood sugar – hypoglycaemia – which, alongside dizziness, include sweating, shakes, chills, anxiety and confusion.
3 YOUR HEART SKIPPED A BEAT
Arrhythmias, or abnormal heart rhythms, cause you to feel premature or extra heartbeats. There are numerous causes, and as well as dizziness, sufferers may experience shortness of breath, weakness, fainting, and chest pain or discomfort. It can be serious, so you should seek medical help.
4 BLAME YOUR INNER EAR
The inner ear contains fluidfilled tubes called labyrinths, responsible in part for our sense of balance. Changes in the fluid levels can cause Meniere’s disease – symptoms include ringing in the ear.
5 LINKED TO MIGRAINES
About 40 per cent of migraine patients have accompanying problems with balance and dizziness, known as vestibular dysfunction.
6 IT’S VIRAL
Vestibular neuritis is a viral infection of the inner ear, sometimes called labyrinthitis. Symptoms include sudden dizziness with a spinning sensation, nausea and general unsteadiness. Problems with vision, hearing and concentration are also common. These symptoms often develop a few days or weeks after a bad cold.
7 YOU’VE GOT VISUAL VERTIGO
It’s not known why but certain visual stimuli can trigger dizziness: when surrounded by tall, stacked shelves, in crowded areas when surrounded by people, or by the sight of fast-moving or spinning objects. Also known as motion sensitivity, another common
8 YOU NEED A DRINK
Dehydration disturbs the balance of salts and sugars in the blood – alongside feeling thirsty, light-headedness is a common symptom. More seriously, overheating can lead to heat exhaustion, which also causes nausea, faintness and heavy sweating.
9 JUST CALM DOWN
Being stressed, anxious, tense or irritable can provoke dizziness, and feeling dizzy in itself can lead to feeling stressed, anxious or depressed. Tackling the root cause is the best remedy: exercising, taking a walk, having a relaxing bath, or listening to a calming piece of music may help.
10 IT’S SOMETHING SERIOUS
Strokes and many diseases of the nervous system – for example, multiple sclerosis – and tumours in the brain can cause dizziness and balance problems. Thankfully, these conditions are relatively rare, and can be ruled out by brain scans and a thorough examination. A specialist will be able to advise.