Dizziness - Part 2

Dr. Edward F.Group III, DC, Ph.D, ND, DACBN

Dizziness may have a number of potential causes. These may include:

Vertigo
Vertigo - the most common cause of dizziness - is the false sense of motion or spinning. Sitting up or moving around may make it worse. Sometimes vertigo is severe enough to cause nausea and vomiting.

• Nausea

• vomiting

• Vertigo

Vertigo usually results from a problem with the nerves and the structures of the balance mechanism in your inner ear (vestibular system), which sense movement and changes in your head position. Abnormal rhythmic eye movements (nystagmus) almost always accompany vertigo. Causes of vertigo may include:

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). BPPV involves intense, brief episodes of dizziness associated with a change in the position of your head, often when you turn over in bed or sit up in the morning. It occurs when particles of calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) break loose and fall into the wrong part of the canals in your inner ear. When these particles shift, they stimulate sensors in your ear, producing an episode of vertigo. Doctors don't know what triggers BPPV, but it may be a natural result of aging. Trauma to your head also may lead to BPPV.

Feeling of faintness (presyncope)
Presyncope is the medical term for feeling faint and lightheaded without losing consciousness. Sometimes nausea, pale skin and a sense of dizziness accompany a feeling of faintness. Causes of presyncope include:

Drop in blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension). A significant drop in your systolic blood pressure - the first number in your blood pressure reading - may result in lightheadedness or a feeling of faintness. It can occur after sitting up or standing too quickly.

Inadequate output of blood from the heart. Conditions such as partially blocked arteries (atherosclerosis), disease of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy), abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) or a decrease in blood volume may cause inadequate blood flow from the heart.

• atherosclerosis

• Cardiomyopathy

• Tinnitus

Loss of balance (disequilibrium)
Disequilibrium is the loss of balance or the feeling of unsteadiness when you walk. Causes may include:

Inner ear (vestibular) problems. Abnormalities with your inner ear can cause you to feel like you're floating or have a heavy head.

Balance disorders. Failing vision and nerve damage in your legs (peripheral neuropathy) are common in older adults, and may result in difficulty maintaining your balance.

Joint and muscle problems. Muscle weakness and osteoarthritis - the type of arthritis that involves wear and tear of your joints - can contribute to loss of balance when it involves the weight-bearing joints.

Medications. Loss of balance can be a side effect of certain medications, such as seizure drugs, sedatives and tranquilizers.

• anxiety

• Osteoarthritis (OA).

• Panic attacks

Lightheadedness
Feeling lightheaded is the feeling of being "spaced out" or having the sensation of spinning inside your head. It can also give you the sensation that if your lightheadedness worsens, you might lose consciousness. Causes may include:

Vestibular disorders. These abnormalities of your inner ear can lead to illusions of motion and make you feel like you're floating.

Anxiety disorders. Certain anxiety disorders such as panic attacks and a fear of leaving home or being in large, open spaces (agoraphobia) may cause lightheadedness.

Hyperventilation. Abnormally rapid breathing that often accompanies anxiety disorders may make you feel lightheaded.

If you experience dizziness, consider these tips:

• Be aware of the possibility of losing your balance, which can lead to falling and serious injury.

• Sit or lie down immediately when you feel dizzy.

• Avoid driving a car or operating heavy machinery if you experience frequent dizziness.

• Use good lighting if you get up in the night.

• Walk with a cane for stability.

• Avoid using caffeine, alcohol and tobacco. These substances can worsen your symptoms.

• Work closely with your doctor to manage your symptoms effectively.

Overcoming dizziness can be done with proper nutrition and other factors. But doing it once will not suffice. You need to take on a lifestyle conducive to a healthy living. Continue reading to see what changes you can make to ensure a better life for yourself for years to come.

• anxiety
• Nausea

Treatments Programs: