Dizziness: types, most common causes, symptoms and treatments

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

Most of the people know and possibly have suffered some dizziness in their life. But what is it and why is it produced? In this article we will talk about dizziness, its causes, symptoms, and treatment.

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Dizziness: definition and main symptoms

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

The main symptoms that indicate that we are dizzy are the presence of vertigo (in which there is the sensation that things are spinning) and

the feeling of altered or narrow consciousness in the form of dullness, which can come together with a limitation of the perceptual field we attend to.

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

Sometimes it leads to temporary loss of consciousness, in the form of syncope and we may experience a mental slowing and speech difficulties, as well as profuse sweating and wheezing in the ears.

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Types of dizziness

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

1. Sharp dizziness

This type of dizziness occurs suddenly and lasts for a few hours before disappearing on its own, as if it were an outbreak. This outbreak will reappear some time later. It is common to appear together with hearing loss.

2. Sudden dizziness

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

3. Persistent dizziness

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

Why do they occur?

The causes of dizziness are generally minor and easily treatable, although always It must be taken into account 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 no specific cause can be attributed to it. The alteration usually occurs at the level of the vestibular system or affect it or the integration of the information it provides.

1. Nutrition and hydration

One of the reasons why we can get 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 experience dizziness is when we suffer from hypoglycemia. In these cases, the absence of sufficient glucose in the blood generates the weakness and dizziness that can lead to fainting.

The dizziness of this disorder may come from not eating enough or being anemic, exercising in such a way that burn the blood sugar, or suffer from diseases such as diabetes (in which case it can be dangerous and you have to consume sugar 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 appear. Being exposed to excessive temperatures It can make us dizzy. The same can be said for a lack of hydration.

3. Movement

Another reason why dizziness may appear is due to accelerating or decelerating movements that cause our visual and vestibular systems to contradict each other. For example before sudden and fast movements or during trips in different types of vehicle (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 rare for example that during menstruation or pregnancy may appear.

5. Serious diseases

As we have said on occasions, the alterations that generate dizziness can be serious. Being 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 in the 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 where 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 diet-related problems Diet changes should begin to be introduced, as well as exercise guidelines as appropriate.

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

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

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