Feeling Dizzy? Check What Might Be the Cause
What Are Dizzy Spells?
Dizziness is a sensation of spinning in the head. When patients visit their doctor, they report either feeling like they're "spinning" while the world around them remains stable (peripheral vertigo) or the opposite – where their surroundings appear unstable (central vertigo).
"Such sensations are the result of processes occurring in the brain stem and cerebellum, but not only there. Dizziness occurs with dysfunction of the vestibular system, which is one of the main receivers of impulses that provide information about our position in space. Balance disorders are also caused by information flowing from the periphery (to the superior centers I mentioned earlier), such as proprioceptors located in skeletal muscles," explains neurologist Dr. Maria Maliszewska.
A Condition That May Signal Disease
Spinning sensations in the head may or may not be a harbinger of a more serious illness. It often appears after a poor night's sleep or complete lack of sleep. Dizziness can also be a consequence of trauma such as a head contusion. It's also one of the symptoms accompanying migraine or epilepsy. It's worth noting that epilepsy itself can take the form of dizziness, which is challenging for specialists from a diagnostic perspective.
The sensation of spinning is often linked to:
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Heart rhythm disorders (caused by irregular blood flow to the head)
- Blood pressure fluctuations
- Thyroid under- or overactivity
- Complications from ear infections
Naturally, it can occur in older people with cardiovascular diseases when there's reduced blood flow through brain blood vessels. This happens because these vessels' diameter is reduced by atherosclerotic changes.
"In extreme cases, dizziness can be a symptom of much more serious diseases, such as stroke or even tumors, especially those in the posterior cranial fossa – in the area of the occipital lobes or cerebellum," explains Dr. Maliszewska. "Sometimes, the spinning sensation is also a consequence of starting certain medications, particularly those related to neurological conditions, which is why I always recommend great caution and gradual increase in dosage."
Should You See a Doctor for Dizziness?
Spinning sensations – like any other deviation from wellbeing – should not be ignored. Therefore, the question isn't "if" but "when" to consult a specialist.
"Dizziness, especially when occurring for the first time, should be consulted with an appropriate person as soon as possible. In most cases, the diagnostic path should start with a visit to your family doctor. After taking history and analyzing the circumstances of the concerning symptoms, they will order basic laboratory tests. After reviewing the results, they will decide whether the diagnostics will stop at this stage or if further examination by a neurologist or ENT specialist is needed," explains Dr. Maliszewska.
"There are, of course, cases where we should call an ambulance immediately. Imagine a situation where you go to bed healthy and wake up with dizziness accompanied by headache, vomiting, or double vision. In such cases, immediate diagnostics should be conducted for conditions like stroke, cerebellar stroke, or brain stem stroke."
Determining the cause of dizziness is fundamental to being able to control it and respond appropriately when it occurs. For example, with benign positional vertigo caused by the displacement of tiny stones (otoliths) in the vestibular canals, performing the so-called Epley maneuver can provide immediate relief and improvement in wellbeing.
When the cause is unknown or dizziness occurs for the first time and is mild, you should:
- Slowly sit down
- Drink at least two glasses of water
- Check basic parameters like blood pressure, blood sugar, and body temperature
- Schedule an appointment with your family doctor or neurologist