Who Should I See For My Dizzy Spells?

Dizziness is a term used to describe a range of sensations, such as feeling faint, woozy, weak, or unsteady. Vertigo is a common cause of dizziness, which creates the false sense that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving. It is one of the more common reasons adults visit their doctors. If you experience any recurrent, sudden, severe, or prolonged and unexplained dizziness or vertigo, get emergency medical care. If your dizziness is caused by a medication, talk with your doctor about discontinuing it or lowering the dose. If your dizziness comes with nausea, try an over-the-counter pain reliever.

Serious dizziness symptoms include occasional dizzy spells, chronic dizziness, and light-headedness. Inner ear problems, such as vertigo, affect balance and coordination. If your dizziness is caused by something more serious, like a concussion, illness, or injury, you need to see a doctor. Treatment for what is causing it may include antibiotics for an infection.

If you have vertigo, your doctor may perform the Dix-Hallpike maneuver, which is used to diagnose and treat benign positional vertigo. If there are no obvious neurological symptoms, it is reasonable for patients to contact their primary physician for advice. Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis can also cause dizziness.

Your family doctor or primary care provider may be able to diagnose and treat the cause of your dizziness, and you may be referred to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or a doctor who specializes in the brain and nervous system (neurologist). A neurologist will likely do a full neurological exam and may perform other tests to help make an accurate diagnosis.

People experiencing dizziness or vertigo should contact their primary physician for advice. If your dizziness is recurring, starts suddenly, or disrupts daily life, seek immediate medical attention. If you have any of these symptoms, call triple zero for an ambulance. An ophthalmologist can determine if the issue is strictly eye- or blood vessel/brain-related.

How do you know if dizziness is brain related?

Central vertigo, caused by brain problems, can lead to symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, double vision, eye movement issues, facial paralysis, slurred speech, limb weakness, walking problems due to balance loss, hearing loss, coordination and balance issues, and weakness. Treatment options include blood tests, brainstem auditory evoked potential studies, caloric stimulation, EEG, Enema, EEG, Enema, head CT, lumbar puncture, MRI, MRA scans, and walking testing.

What are red flags for lightheadedness?

Vertigo is a condition that can be diagnosed with a clear description of the symptoms and their onset, frequency, and duration. Central neurological vertigo is rare and less likely to be horizontal or rotatory. It is often caused by a brainstem cerebrovascular accident, intracranial lesion, or migraine. “Red flag” symptoms include persistent, worsening vertigo or dysequilibrium, atypical “non-peripheral” vertigo, severe headache, diplopia, cranial nerve palsies, dysarthria, ataxia, or other cerebellar signs.

Anxiety can impede central adaptation, making a single diagnosis difficult. Drugs that sedate the vestibular-brainstem axis, such as prochlorperazine, can relieve symptoms, while sublingual preparations can help with severe vomiting. However, prolonged use should be avoided to prevent central compensation.

When should I be worried about random dizziness?

If you are experiencing persistent dizziness or vertigo, difficulty hearing or speaking, tinnitus, double vision, blurred vision, numbness, weakness in the face, arms, or legs, and other symptoms like pulse changes, fainting, headaches, or illness, your GP may ask about your symptoms and check if you have vertigo. They may also inquire about whether the dizziness started without reason or followed an illness, whether you have repeated episodes, and how long the dizziness lasts.

Can dizzy spells be neurological?

Neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, can cause dizziness due to their impact on balance and the release of norepinephrine, leading to low blood pressure. If you believe you have been blocked, contact the site owner for assistance. If you are a WordPress user with administrative privileges, enter your email address and click “Send” to regain access. This will help you regain your balance and reduce the likelihood of experiencing dizziness.

Why am I getting random dizzy spells?

Sudden dizziness can be caused by various health issues, including ear problems, low blood pressure, and mental health issues. It can manifest as lightheadedness, off-balance, giddy, or faintness. It is crucial to seek medical attention when experiencing sudden dizziness or vertigo, as some conditions are more severe. Home remedies to reduce dizziness include lying still in a darkened room, avoiding lightheadedness, and following proper medical guidance.

What illness starts with dizziness?

Dizziness is a common symptom characterized by lightheadedness, often accompanied by symptoms such as labyrinthitis, migraine, stress, low blood sugar levels, and postural hypotension. It can be a sign of something serious but should be investigated by a doctor. Dizziness can mean different things to different people, such as feeling lightheaded or off balance or a spinning sensation in their surroundings. Identifying the underlying cause may be challenging due to the variety of factors involved.

What drink stops dizziness?

Dizziness can be alleviated by hydration, ginger, vitamin C, and iron. Water is essential for alleviating thirst and tiredness, while ginger can relieve motion-sickness-related dizziness and treat nausea during pregnancy. Vitamin C can alleviate vertigo in Meniere’s disease patients, and can be found in fruits like grapefruits, oranges, bell peppers, and strawberries. Vitamin E improves blood vessel elasticity, preventing circulation issues and dizziness. Iron is essential for anemia patients, and can be obtained from red meat, beans, poultry, and dark leafy green vegetables. Consuming these foods can help manage symptoms and promote overall health.

What kind of doctor should I see for dizzy spells?

A neurologist can diagnose and treat dizziness using various tools and tests. A full neurological exam is typically conducted, along with other tests to determine the root cause. These tests may include eye movement testing, videonystagmography (VNG), electronystagmography (ENG), MRI, and posturography. Eye movement testing involves tracking an object in motion, while VNG checks for signs of nystagmus, a condition caused by balance organ problems.

ENG uses electrodes to sense eye movement, while MRI scans may be performed if a head injury or an acoustic neuroma or brain tumor is suspected. Posturography tests balance using a machine that gathers information about vision, sensations, and ear input to maintain balance. The results of these tests can help plan rehabilitation and monitor treatment effectiveness. In summary, a neurologist plays a crucial role in diagnosing and treating dizziness, vertigo, and other related conditions.

How do I stop getting dizzy spells?

Dizziness can be treated by resting in a recumbent position, gradually rising from that position, ensuring adequate rest, consuming fluids, and avoiding caffeine, cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs. Dizziness, lightheadedness, and feelings of imbalance are common occurrences that typically do not signify a serious underlying condition. Should concerns arise, it is recommended to consult with a general practitioner. It is advisable to ascertain whether the patient is exhibiting any of the following symptoms: dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or vertigo.

What are the top 3 causes of dizziness?

Dizziness can be caused by various factors, including inner ear disturbances, motion sickness, medication effects, and underlying health conditions like poor circulation, infection, or injury. The sensation and triggers of dizziness provide clues for potential causes, while the duration and other symptoms also help identify the cause. Inner ear problems, such as vertigo, are caused by the combined input from the eyes, sensory nerves, and inner ear, which help detect gravity and back-and-forth motion.

When should I see a doctor for dizziness?

In the event of persistent, abrupt, and distressing episodes of dizziness or vertigo that recur with regularity, it is imperative to seek the counsel of a qualified healthcare professional.