You are probably familiar with the phrase “my eyes are going black.” This term has been used for many years when we feel dizzy. We use this phrase a lot when we feel lightheaded, have blurred vision, or have trouble seeing.
All of these definitions refer to an unstable and unpleasant feeling called dizziness that almost everyone living around the world has experienced for various reasons. Sometimes dizziness is caused by minor problems, and sometimes it occurs due to more serious problems; but ultimately, it is necessary and very important to eliminate and treat this feeling to prevent dangerous complications.
What vitamin deficiencies cause dizziness?
Some vitamin deficiencies occur because they affect the functioning of the nervous system, blood flow, and oxygen supply to the brain. Deficiencies in vitamin B12, vitamin D, vitamin B1 or thiamine, vitamin B6, vitamin E, and vitamin B9 or folate are some of the causes of dizziness. Vitamin deficiencies can be treated with supplements or a proper diet, but consult a doctor before taking supplements.
What causes dizziness in children?
Side effects of medications, middle ear infection, vertigo or (BPPV), inflammation of the inner ear and Meniere’s disease, migraines, minor seizures and head trauma, anemia, low blood sugar and dehydration, colds or flu, sinus infections and severe infectious diseases, anxiety or stress and panic attacks, while traveling and being in noisy or bright environments are the main causes of dizziness in children.
What is the connection between dizziness and blood pressure?
The brain needs a steady and sufficient blood flow. Any disruption in the normal flow of blood pressure can cause dizziness. Such as:
Very low blood pressure: Dehydration, heart or vascular diseases, and the use of certain medications reduce blood supply and oxygen levels in the brain.
Blood pressure fluctuations: Occur due to unstable blood pressure and stress or anxiety.
Very high blood pressure: Because it causes damage to the blood vessels in the brain.
Does sleep apnea cause dizziness?
Reduced oxygen supply to the brain
Disturbed sleep quality
Changes in blood pressure
Increased carbon dioxide levels in the blood
Stress on the nervous system
All of these things can occur during sleep apnea, each of which is a contributing factor to dizziness. Dizziness caused by apnea is accompanied by general fatigue and weakness, confusion, a feeling of imbalance during the day, loud snoring, waking up with a feeling of suffocation, and daytime sleepiness.
What is vertigo and what are its types?
Vertigo is a condition in which a person feels that the surroundings or themselves are spinning or moving. While in reality there is no movement. The causes of vertigo can be caused by various problems, mainly related to the balance part of the inner ear, the central nervous system, or other factors.
Types of vertigo are divided into two main categories: peripheral vertigo and central vertigo. Each of these types has its own characteristics and symptoms and is further classified into more detailed categories:
1. Peripheral vertigo
This type of vertigo is caused by a problem or problems in the inner ear or vestibular nerve.
2. Central dizziness
This type of dizziness is caused by a problem or disorder in the brain or central nervous system.
3. Other types of dizziness
Dizziness caused by anxiety or panic attacks
Dizziness caused by low blood pressure
Dizziness caused by anemia or vitamin deficiencies
Positional dizziness caused by changes in body position, such as: standing up quickly
What causes vertigo?
The cause of vertigo depends on several factors and can be caused by problems with the inner ear, the central nervous system, or other medical issues. The main causes of vertigo will be examined in detail below:
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo or BPPV: One of the most common causes of vertigo related to the inner ear, in which the accumulation of calcium crystals in the inner ear irritates the balance sensors and is usually caused by changing the position of the head.
Vestibular Neuritis: A viral or bacterial infection can inflame the nerve responsible for balance. This is one of the causes of vertigo related to the inner ear and is mainly accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
Meniere’s Disease: Another cause of vertigo related to the inner ear; Meniere’s disease, which is caused by fluid accumulation in the inner ear and presents itself with tinnitus and hearing loss.
Middle or Inner Ear Infection: If you ask us what vertigo is a symptom of? We will tell you that another cause of dizziness is an ear infection, which, along with other symptoms, disrupts your balance.
Vestibular migraine: Migraine itself is the cause of dizziness related to the brain and central nervous system. Sensitivity to light and sound in migraine causes dizziness.
Diabetes or hypoglycemia: What is dizziness? Low blood sugar is another cause of dizziness. Dizziness associated with low blood sugar in diabetic patients can affect balance and alertness.
Stroke or ischemia: Reduced blood supply to the brain can cause dizziness and other symptoms such as weakness or numbness.
Brain tumor: If the tumor is located in the parts related to balance, it will be one of the causes and causes of dizziness.
Multiple sclerosis (MS): Disorders and diseases related to the central nervous system may cause dizziness.
Hypotension: A sudden drop in blood pressure, for example when standing up quickly, can cause dizziness.
Anemia: Low hemoglobin levels in the blood reduce oxygen supply to the brain and cause dizziness.
Stress and anxiety: Panic attacks and anxiety are accompanied by dizziness in some people.
Dehydration: What are the signs of dizziness? If the body is dehydrated, it will inform you with a feeling of weakness, lethargy and dizziness. Because the decrease in fluids in the body disrupts balance.
Taking certain medications: Sedatives, antihistamines and some antibiotics are among the causes of dizziness. Because the side effects of these medications are characterized by dizziness in some people.
What are the signs of dangerous dizziness?
Dizziness occurs for various reasons, but in some cases it may indicate a dangerous or emergency situation. The following are dangerous signs of dizziness that require immediate medical evaluation if observed:
1. Having neurological symptoms
If your dizziness is accompanied by weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or slurring your speech, visual disturbances (blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision), severe imbalance or frequent falls, and a sudden, severe headache, this is a serious warning sign. Because these dangerous signs, along with dizziness, can lead to the possibility of stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), and brain tumor or bleeding.
2. Hearing loss or loss
If dizziness is accompanied by severe tinnitus, a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, and sudden hearing loss in one ear, there is a possibility of Meniere’s disease, neuroma (tumor of the auditory nerve), and inner ear infection.
3. Changes in consciousness or cognition
Sometimes dizziness will be accompanied by confusion or inability to concentrate, fainting or a feeling of approaching fainting, and seizures. In such cases, a severe drop in blood pressure, lack of oxygen or incomplete blood supply to the brain, and heart or nerve disorders will occur.
4. Persistent and unexplained dizziness
Dizziness that lasts more than a few hours or days and does not respond to initial treatments is a dangerous symptom of dizziness. Because it increases the risk of infection or inflammation of the inner ear or brain and chronic neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS).
5. Dizziness with fever or infection
High fever accompanied by dizziness, severe headache, and neck pain warns you of the risk of meningitis or central nervous system infections and inflammation of the middle or inner ear.
6. Dizziness after a head injury
Dizziness that occurs after a head injury and is accompanied by headache, nausea, or impaired consciousness may indicate brain damage or internal bleeding and fractures of the skull or ear bones.
7. Heart or vascular problems
Another dangerous symptom of dizziness that should be taken very seriously is having other symptoms with dizziness such as: palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, low blood pressure, or sudden changes in position such as dizziness when standing up. These symptoms indicate heart disorders such as: arrhythmia, heart failure, hypovolemic shock, or severe anemia.
When should you see a doctor for dizziness?
So far, you have become familiar with the concept, cause, symptoms, and causes of dizziness. In some cases, a little rest and eating a nutritious meal can relieve dizziness; But if your dizziness is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, see a doctor immediately:
If your dizziness is persistent or severe.
Severe nausea and vomiting
Tinting in the ears
Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
Disordered vision or speech
Sudden, severe headache
High fever or stiff neck
Dizziness that occurs after a head injury
Sudden hearing loss or decrease
Be careful, in serious cases, it is necessary to go to the emergency room.
How to diagnose the cause of dizziness: Being familiar with the signs, symptoms, and types of dizziness can help diagnose its cause; but doctors can only correctly diagnose the causes of dizziness when they use the following in addition to clinical examinations:
Blood tests
Brain imaging such as MRI or CT scan
Hearing and balance tests
Treatment of vertigo
Once the cause of vertigo is discovered, the doctor will start treating it depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Treatments for the cause of vertigo are as follows:
1. Non-drug treatments
Such as physical therapy, the Epley maneuver for vertigo
Breathing and relaxation techniques for stress
Lifestyle changes
2. Drug therapy
What medications are used for vertigo?
The appropriate medications for treating vertigo depend on the cause and type of vertigo. Below is a list of common medications used to manage vertigo. Please note that you should not use these medications without a doctor’s diagnosis and prescription after the necessary examinations:
For dizziness related to ear disorders:
Betahistine: To improve blood flow in the inner ear
Diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide: In case of fluid accumulation in the inner ear
Prochlorperazine or metoclopramide: To control nausea and vomiting related to dizziness
For dizziness caused by anxiety or mental disorders:
Benzodiazepines such as diazepam or clonazepam: To reduce anxiety and calm the nervous system.
Antidepressants such as SSRIs: To treat mental disorders related to dizziness.
For dizziness caused by migraines:
Migraine preventive medications such as propranolol or topiramate
Triptans such as sumatriptan: Relieve acute migraine attacks.
For dizziness caused by low blood pressure or heart problems:
Blood pressure medications: Depending on the cause, medications that lower or raise blood pressure may be prescribed.
For dizziness caused by ear infection or inflammation:
Antibiotics or antivirals: If the cause is an infection.
Corticosteroids such as prednisolone: To reduce inflammation in the inner ear.
For dizziness caused by vitamin deficiencies or metabolic problems:
Vitamin B12 or iron supplements: If deficiencies are identified.
How do diets cause dizziness?
Severe calorie restriction or prolonged starvation
Nutrient deficiencies, especially iron, magnesium, and vitamin B12
Excessive consumption of sugar or simple carbohydrates such as white bread, pastries, and rice
Dehydration
Intake of too little or too much salt
Food sensitivities
Excessive consumption of caffeine or alcohol
All of these are causes of dizziness caused by an unbalanced and unprincipled diet. Having a balanced and varied diet that includes all food groups will prevent dizziness caused by a wrong lifestyle.
Final Words
Diet can play a significant role in the occurrence of dizziness. The type of food and the way you diet can directly or indirectly affect the body’s systems and balance. Severe calorie restriction or prolonged starvation, nutrient deficiencies, excessive consumption of sugar or simple carbohydrates, and dehydration are some examples of causes of dizziness caused by following an improper diet.
