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Dr. Michael Heublum - MD

Dizziness 

Dizziness is a term used to describe a range of sensations, such as feeling faint, woozy, weak or unsteady. Dizziness that creates the false sense that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving.
 

What is Dizziness? 

Dizziness is a feeling that you are unsteady on your feet, lightheaded, woozy or even faint. It can even lead to the sensation that either your head or everything around you is spinning, which is also known as vertigo. Dizzy spells are common but usually not serious.

Symptoms

Depending on the person, dizziness can be described with a variety of sensations. The symptoms are generally as follows:

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A feeling of lightheadedness or feeling faint

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Feeling unsteady or off balance

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The sensation of floating, feeling woozy or even heavy-headed

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The sensation of spinning, such as vertigo

Sometimes, your symptoms might feel worse when you stand up, walk, move your head or even when you are lying down. Bouts of dizziness can last mere seconds or for a few days and disappear but recur after several days or weeks.

Diagnosis

Your doctor may schedule you for an MRI if you’re older or they suspect a stroke or blow to the head. Initially, however, the doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine you. They may also test your balance. If the doctor believes your dizziness is related to BPPV, they will prescribe hearing and balance tests with an audiologist who specializes in such testing.

Causes

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A wide, staggering gait, similar to that seen in an intoxicated person.

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Vestibular neuritis: This is a viral infection of the vestibular nerve, which can cause severe vertigo.

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Meniere’s disease: Meniere’s disease occurs when there is a large buildup of fluid in the inner ear. It can cause dizziness, distorted hearing and tinnitus.

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Migraines: Migraines can lead to a sensation of dizziness. They are often accompanied by a sensitivity to light and sound.

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Low blood pressure: Low blood pressure can make you feel faint or lightheaded.

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Poor blood circulation: When your blood circulation is poor, it can also cause dizziness.

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Low blood sugar: Low blood sugar associated with diabetes and hypoglycemia can cause dizziness.

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Neurological conditions: Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions can cause dizziness and feeling unbalanced.

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Dehydration: If you aren’t drinking enough fluids, especially in very hot weather, you can become dizzy.

Treatment

Usually, dizziness clears up without treatment. However, depending on your situation, you may be prescribed certain medications that can relieve your dizziness. For example, if your symptoms come from migraines, you may be prescribed migraine medication, but if you have Meniere’s disease, you may be prescribed water pills to relieve your symptoms.

Another common treatment for dizziness involves physical therapy exercises if you suffer from vestibular neuritis or BPPV. Psychotherapy is an option for individuals who have dizziness caused by an anxiety disorder.

We treat all the following disorders

Dizziness

Lightheadedness

Vertigo

Falls

Ataxia

Syncope / Near Syncope

Post Traumatic Balance Disorder

Disembarkment Syndrome

Prevent future life-threatening accidents

With painless and non-invasive treatments at our clinic.