November 19, 2008

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Dizziness (cont.)

Dizziness Causes

Dizziness may be attributed broadly to a number of things. Sometimes, doctors find no specific cause, but dangerous causes always need to be excluded, for example:

  • High blood pressure, usually extremely high, causing damage to the brain

  • Low blood pressure, which can have multiple causes ranging from diseases of the heart to bleeding disorders that cause anemia to adverse reactions to medications

  • Heart causes


  • Brain causes

    • Stroke, tumor, headaches, migraines, hyperventilation

    • Fainting (syncope) - A loss of blood supply to the brain causing loss of consciousness, typically after loss of blood output by your heart

    • Many things may trigger the infamous "common faint" - emotions, rapidly assuming an upright position, even urination

    • Dementia or senility - Any illness causing confusion or altered state of mind, such as medications, drugs, or alcohol

  • Medications (Almost all medications list dizziness as a possible side effect.)

    • Blood pressure medications, sedatives, tranquilizers, antidepressants, pain relievers, some antibiotics

    • Diuretics, causing dehydration, blood electrolyte changes, heart effects, or direct side effects

  • Metabolic disorders

    • Hypoxia, low blood oxygen

    • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) including an insulin reaction

    • Dehydration, from many causes

  • Aging

    • Reduced capacity for exercise or activity

    • Reduced ability for the blood circulation to compensate for quickly assuming an upright position

    • Hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis) causing decreased blood supply to the brain, heart, and other organs

    • Weakness, deconditioning

    • Neuropathy, a progressive dysfunction of the nerves from many illnesses, especially diabetes

  • Other illness

    • Internal bleeding or hemorrhage, which may go unnoticed

    • Anemia, or low red blood cell count

    • Prolonged bed rest, causing weakness, loss of ability to compensate for assuming an upright position

    • Infections

    • Endocrine diseases - Hormone-producing organs such as the thyroid, adrenal glands, and pituitary gland affect hydration, salt balance, and function of other organs

  • Psychiatric reasons

    • Depression, anxiety, or panic disorder

    • Hyperventilation - Breathing too fast or too deeply, usually from anxiety (This may not be apparent to the patient or to observers. Associated hand and foot cramping increase anxiety and perpetuate a cycle.)

    • Somatization - The conversion of a mental illness, such as anxiety or depression, into physical symptoms. (Often, the patient may be unaware of the underlying mental illness and insist that they have only physical complaints.)


Next: Dizziness Symptoms »

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