Dizziness: Types, Most Common Causes, Symptoms And Treatments
It’s really hot. We haven’t eaten. We travel by car. We get up suddenly after lying down for a long time. It is likely that in one of these situations we have suddenly experienced dizziness that threatens to make us fall to the ground or leaves us dazed.
Most people know and have possibly suffered from some motion sickness throughout their lives. But what is it and why does it occur? In this article we are going to talk about dizziness, its causes, symptoms and treatment
The concept of dizziness refers to a sudden, sharp feeling of discomfort that appears in various situations such as sudden movements, alterations in blood glucose levels or stress. It is not a disorder in itself but 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 a sensation that things are spinning) and the sensation of alteration or narrowing of consciousness in the form of dullness which can come along with a limitation of the perceptual field to which we attend.
Blurred vision, headache and agitation are common. Another typical element is postural instability and loss of muscle tone. The 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 mental slowing and speech difficulties, as well as profuse sweating and ringing in the ears.
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 vertigo. Below we will see one of them, specifically the one reflected by GAES.
1. Acute dizziness
This type of dizziness occurs suddenly and lasts a few hours before disappearing on its own, as if it were a flare-up. This outbreak will reappear some time later. It frequently appears together with hearing loss
2. Sudden dizziness
It is characterized by a sudden appearance of sensations of instability and discomfort. Although it persists for a period that can last months, it decreases over time. Within this type is the well-known benign postural vertigo caused by sudden movements, or that of ear inflammations.
3. Persistent dizziness
The most worrying since It is usually associated with nervous or brain disorders or even tumors persistent dizziness is one that occurs insidiously and increases progressively over time.
Why do they occur?
The causes of dizziness are generally minor and easily treatable, although it must always be taken into account that they may 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 a specific cause cannot be attributed. The alteration usually occurs at the level of the vestibular system or affects it or the integration of the information it provides.
One of the reasons why we can get dizzy is linked to the excessive presence or absence of certain nutrients in our body through our diet, or due to lack 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 blood glucose generates weakness and dizziness that can lead to fainting.
The dizziness typical of this alteration can come from not eating enough or being anemic, exercising in such a way that we burn blood sugar, or suffering from diseases such as diabetes (in which case it can be dangerous and sugar has to be consumed quickly). Also the absence of other essential components such as iron can cause dizziness due to anemia.
2. Blood pressure
The increase 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 lack of hydration.
3. Movement
Another reason why dizziness may appear is when performing accelerating or decelerating movements that cause our visual and vestibular systems to contradict each other. For example in case of sudden and rapid movements or during trips in different types of vehicles (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 unusual for example that during menstruation or pregnancy may appear
As we have said on occasions, the alterations that cause dizziness can be serious. Getting 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 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 illness, the treatment in question will depend on the affected area that causes it and the illness itself. In the case of anemia or dietary problems Changes should begin to be introduced in the diet, as well as exercising according to the case.
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 usually highly recommended.
In the case of dizziness linked to psychological problems such as stress the consumption of tranquilizers and carrying out therapies such as habituation or relaxation are very useful, as well as learning new ways of coping with situations can be of great help.
