Dizziness why

Vertigo may make you sick to your stomach, and you may have trouble standing, walking, or keeping your balance. For men and women, the most common symptom is chest pain or pressure.

But women are somewhat more likely than men to have other symptoms, like shortness of breath, nausea, and back or jaw pain. Neurological symptoms —which may be signs of a problem with the nervous system—can affect many body functions.

Symptoms may include:. Many prescription and nonprescription medicines can make you feel lightheaded or affect your balance.

A few examples are:. Based on your answers, you may need care right away. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care. Based on your answers, you may need care soon. The problem probably will not get better without medical care.

After you call , the operator may tell you to chew 1 adult-strength mg or 2 to 4 low-dose 81 mg aspirin. Wait for an ambulance. Do not try to drive yourself. Sometimes people don't want to call They may think that their symptoms aren't serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them. Or they might be concerned about the cost.

But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call for medical transport to the hospital. Lightheadedness usually is not a cause for concern unless it is severe, does not go away, or occurs with other symptoms such as an irregular heartbeat or fainting.

Lightheadedness can lead to falls and other injuries. Protect yourself from injury if you feel lightheaded:. Call your doctor if any of the following occur during home treatment:.

You may be able to prevent lightheadedness caused by orthostatic hypotension by taking your time. When you are dizzy, your risk of falling increases. You can make changes in your home to reduce your risk of falls.

For more information about falls, see the topic Preventing Falls. To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment. You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:.

Before seeing your doctor, it may be helpful to keep track of your symptoms. Use the questions above as a guide for what to include in your diary of symptoms.

Blahd Jr. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: William H. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

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Topic Overview Dizziness is a word that is often used to describe two different feelings. Lightheadedness is a feeling that you are about to faint or "pass out. Lightheadedness often goes away or improves when you lie down. If lightheadedness gets worse, it can lead to a feeling of almost fainting or a fainting spell syncope. You may sometimes feel nauseated or vomit when you are lightheaded.

Vertigo is a feeling that you or your surroundings are moving when there is no actual movement. You may feel as though you are off balance, spinning, whirling, falling, or tilting. When you have severe vertigo , you may feel very nauseated or vomit. You may have trouble walking or standing, and you may lose your balance and fall.

Lightheadedness It is common to feel lightheaded from time to time. Lightheadedness has many causes, including: Allergies. Illnesses such as the flu or colds. Home treatment of your flu and cold symptoms usually will relieve lightheadedness. Vomiting, diarrhea, fevers, and other illnesses that cause dehydration. Very deep or rapid breathing hyperventilation.

Anxiety and stress. The use of tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs. Vertigo Vertigo occurs when there is conflict between the signals sent to the brain by various balance- and position-sensing systems of the body. Vision gives you information about your position and motion in relationship to the rest of the world.

This is an important part of the balance mechanism and often overrides information from the other balance-sensing systems. Sensory nerves in your joints allow your brain to keep track of the position of your legs, arms, and torso. Your body is then automatically able to make tiny changes in posture that help you maintain your balance proprioception. See a GP if you're worried. Dizziness usually goes away on its own.

But there are things you can do to take care of yourself while you're feeling dizzy. If you have other symptoms, this might give you an idea of the cause. Motion sickness. Low blood pressure. Cardiovascular disease. Low iron. Share on Pinterest Eating a diet rich in iron can reduce the symptoms of anemia. Hypoglycemia low blood sugar. Autoimmune inner ear disease. Share on Pinterest Stress and anxiety are common symptoms of dizziness.

When to see a doctor. Latest news Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes. Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. What causes dizziness when lying down? Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.

What causes dizziness and vomiting? Medically reviewed by Sachin S. Kapur, MD, MS. Loss of balance: Everything you need to know. Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M. Why do I feel both tired and dizzy? Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, MD. Loop-shaped canals in your inner ear contain fluid and fine, hairlike sensors that help you keep your balance. At the base of the canals are the utricle and saccule, each containing a patch of sensory hair cells. Within these cells are tiny particles otoconia that help monitor the position of your head in relation to gravity and linear motion, such as going up and down in an elevator or moving forward and backward in a car.

Dizziness has many possible causes, including inner ear disturbance, motion sickness and medication effects. Sometimes it's caused by an underlying health condition, such as poor circulation, infection or injury. The way dizziness makes you feel and your triggers provide clues for possible causes. How long the dizziness lasts and any other symptoms you have also help pinpoint the cause.

Your sense of balance depends on the combined input from the various parts of your sensory system. These include your:. Vertigo is the false sense that your surroundings are spinning or moving. With inner ear disorders, your brain receives signals from the inner ear that aren't consistent with what your eyes and sensory nerves are receiving.

Vertigo is what results as your brain works to sort out the confusion. You may feel dizzy, faint or off balance if your heart isn't pumping enough blood to your brain. Causes include:. Dizziness can increase your risk of falling and injuring yourself. Experiencing dizziness while driving a car or operating heavy machinery can increase the likelihood of an accident. You may also experience long-term consequences if an existing health condition that may be causing your dizziness goes untreated.