It can be hard to know when to seek medical help for dizziness. Dizziness, or vertigo, can be a symptom of many different health problems and should not be ignored. Doctors say that you should see your primary care physician if you feel dizzy more than three times in one day, if the feeling lasts longer than 20 minutes at a time, or if you have any trouble with balance. If these symptoms don’t go away after two weeks, make an appointment with your Alexandria, VA doctor. An Alexandria dizziness specialist knows about various causes of the problem.
1. A Sudden Drop in Blood Pressure
Many things can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, including dehydration, heart problems, and medication side effects. When your blood pressure drops too low, it can cause you to feel dizzy. This is often accompanied by lightheadedness and nausea. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
2. An Ear Infection
An ear infection is a common infection that can cause a person to feel dizzy. It is often accompanied by a fever caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Ear infections can be treated with antibiotics if they are bacterial or with antiviral medication if they are viral. If you think you may have an ear infection, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
3. Middle Ear Disorders
Middle ear disorders are one of the primary reasons people experience dizziness. The middle ear contains fluid that flows back and forth between the outside world and the inner ear. Fluid can become stagnant for several reasons, which can cause pressure to build up in your head and make you feel dizzy or as if you were spinning around. In most cases, an antibiotic is prescribed to treat the infection and a steroid to help with inflammation.
4. A Decrease in Blood Volume
A decrease in blood volume is another common cause of dizziness. It can be caused by several things, including dehydration, excessive sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea. When your body doesn’t have enough blood, it can’t circulate it properly. It will often cause you to feel lightheaded and dizzy. If you are experiencing these symptoms, drink plenty of fluids and rest. If the symptoms don’t go away, seek medical help.
5. Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disorder that affects the central nervous system. This system includes a person’s brain and spinal cord. Generally, disease interrupts the flow of information within this part of the body. It can also lead to sensation, movement, balance, and depth perception problems. These symptoms may be different from one person to another, but people with MS generally will experience difficulties in multiple areas.
6. Stroke
A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood flow to a part of the brain reduces. It can happen for several reasons, including a blood clot, an injury, or an illness. When the blood flow is interrupted, the cells in the brain quickly begin to die. It can cause permanent damage to the brain and can sometimes cause dizziness.
Dizziness is a symptom of many different health problems and should not be ignored. If you are experiencing dizziness or vertigo, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The sooner you seek medical attention, the better because some causes can have severe consequences if left untreated.
