17-03-2014, 11:07 AM
Dizziness
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What is Dizziness?
(Also Called 'Faintness', 'Lightheadedness', 'Vertigo')
Dizziness is defined as disorientation in space; a sense of unsteadiness; a feeling of movement within the head such as giddiness or a swimming sensation; lightheadedness; or a whirling sensation. Dizziness changes your sense of balance and can increase your risk of falling.
There are three main types of dizziness:
Faintness/lightheadedness
Vertigo
Disequilibrium
What is the difference between faintness and vertigo?
Faintness is the feeling of a lack of strength with a sensation of impending loss of consciousness. An impairment of circulation is a common cause; blood loss or dehydration, as well as heart problems, can impair circulation. However, low blood sugar, low oxygen levels in the blood, acute infections, and drug reactions can also cause lightheadedness.
Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or whirling, or a hallucination that the room is spinning. Disequilibrium is a feeling of falling to one side or the other. It causes a loss of balance.
What can cause dizziness?
Since mechanisms for maintaining balance are so complex, finding the exact cause of dizziness is often difficult and requires input from several medical specialties. Dizziness can be caused by a problem associated with the inner ear, brain, or heart.
How can these conditions be treated?
In general, finding the cause of dizziness is very helpful in deciding how to treat it. Faintness/lightheadedness can be treated by treating its underlying cause. For example, if vomiting and diarrhea are causing a person to become dehydrated, then rehydrating the person will alleviate the dizziness. Likewise, treating the underlying heart condition or anemia will fix the problem for those conditions.
When should I see my doctor?
Any symptoms of dizziness should be discussed with your primary care provider. Specialists in dizziness at Cleveland Clinic may help in more complicated cases.