The sensation of feeling dizzy can be caused by multiple different conditions, but keep in mind that it would be impossible to cover all the different causes of dizziness, and what causes one person to become dizzy may not cause dizziness in others.
Body Systems Linked to Dizziness
Dizziness usually stems from a problem in one of the following body systems:
Circulatory: dizziness can occur if not enough blood flow reaches the brainNeurological: the dysfunction of peripheral nerves, the brain or spinal cord can make you feel dizzyInner ear: the inner ear is largely responsible for our sense of balance and equilibrium, so disorders of the inner ear can cause dizzinessRespiratory: if we breathe too quickly or deeply, called hyperventilation, we can become dizzy or even pass out
Dizziness can occur in other ways but the cause can usually be grouped into one of the above categories.
Circulatory Causes
More specific circulatory conditions that can cause dizziness include pregnancy, dehydration or standing up too quickly (called orthostatic hypotension, a condition that is more common among the elderly and those taking certain medications).
A drop in blood pressure caused by a medication can cause dizziness, and so can internal bleeding.
Neurological Causes
Neurological conditions that can cause dizziness include chronic illnesses, such as multiple sclerosis, or head or spinal cord injuries.
Inner Ear Causes
Vertigo, which is dizziness that usually involves the sensation of spinning, can be caused by Meniere’s disease, BPPV, labyrinthitis or some migraine headaches.
Respiratory Causes
The main respiratory cause of dizziness is hyperventilation due to anxiety. It can also, more rarely, be caused by an infection or other illness that leads to over-breathing.
Other Causes
Other causes of dizziness include low blood sugar, a medication you’ve taken or a side effect caused by combining certain medications. Motion sickness and the consumption of alcohol, narcotic pain medication or other controlled substances may also be to blame.
While the majority of the time, dizziness is temporary and self-treatable, dizziness can be caused by serious illnesses and injuries, including head injuries, strokes, seizures, bleeding into the brain (i.e., subdural hematoma) or internal hemorrhage followed by circulatory shock.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Dizziness caused by motion sickness, by drinking alcohol or by using prescribed narcotic pain medication does not usually need to be evaluated by a healthcare provider. While not necessarily an emergency, dizziness caused by migraines should be evaluated, as should any persistent or unexplained dizziness.
If you experience dizziness after starting a new medication, stop taking the medication and call your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Stand up slowly to avoid a sudden drop in blood pressure. Talk to your healthcare provider about the possible causes of orthostatic hypotension. This condition is not usually an emergency, but the dizziness can lead to injuries from falls and should be treated. A chronic condition called postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome may need to be ruled out.
If you or someone you are with is hyperventilating, stay calm, take deep breaths and use other techniques to treat hyperventilation syndrome.
If you suspect low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), eat something that preferably contains both carbohydrates and protein; if you do not have a snack that contains both, carbohydrates are best. Examples of simple carbohydrates that will quickly raise blood sugar include fruit juice, candy, honey or cake icing. If you suspect that someone you are with has low blood sugar and they become unconscious, do not try to feed them because they may choke or aspirate; instead, call 911.
If you have forgotten to eat and your symptoms subside shortly after eating, you probably do not need to see a healthcare provider. If you are diabetic, however, see your healthcare provider as you may need to adjust your medication to avoid low blood sugar in the future. If you have recurrent episodes of low blood sugar for any reason, you should see a healthcare provider.
All suspected cases of low blood sugar should be treated because untreated low blood sugar can lead to serious complications, such as coma and even death. If your symptoms do not subside after eating, your dizziness is likely not the result of low blood sugar.
When to Visit the ER
Go to the emergency room if:
You experience dizziness after a head injury or other accidentSomeone you are with loses consciousness and you are unable to wake themYou have signs of a stroke, such as one-sided weakness or facial drooping – postponing treatment in the case of a stroke can lead to serious long-term disability or even deathYou or someone close to you is having seizures or convulsionsYou or someone you are with has a severe headache, especially if they describe their headache as being the worst they’ve ever hadYou have a high fever, especially if you also have a sore or stiff neck or if you’ve already tried to bring the fever down using acetaminophen or other measures without successYou have had severe diarrhea and/or vomiting and suspect dehydrationThe dizziness is accompanied by sudden hearing lossYou have chest pain, a rapid heart rate, or difficulty breathing
