Dizziness Nonvertigo

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

Many conditions can cause dizziness such as:

• A drop in blood pressure when standing—orthostatic hypotension
• Neurological conditions
• Conditions that affect how the heart pumps blood to the body
• Anxiety disorders
• Alcohol use disorder or illicit drug use
• Infection or fever
• Brain injury
• Low blood sugar—hypoglycemia
• 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 Brain

In some cases, dizziness may be due to decreased blood flow to the brain.

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Risk Factors

Dizziness is a symptom that may be caused by another condition. There are no specific risk factors for dizziness.

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

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

Tests may include:

• Blood tests
• Blood pressure measurements

Images may be taken of your bodily structures. This can be done with:

• CT scan
• MRI scan

The electrical activity of your heart may be tested. This can be done with an electrocardiogram (EKG).

Other tests may include:

• Tilt table test
• Hearing and vision tests

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:

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

To help 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.