Explore the causes and solutions for dizziness. Your guide to understanding and managing this common sensation. Meri Sehat keeps you informed.

Dizziness

A. JABBAR DENTAL CLINIC

Sadia Khan

Overview

Dizziness is a term used to describe a range of sensations, such as feeling faint, woozy, weak, or unsteady. 
&nbsp;

Dizziness is a common complaint that affects a significant portion of the general population.

A study in South Korea found that dizziness affected 20.1% of individuals aged 40 years and above. The prevalence increased with age and was also found to be higher in women compared to men.<a href="#accordion">[2]</a> 
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There are three main types of dizziness:<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>

<ul>
	<li>Vertigo: This refers to a spinning sensation as if the surrounding environment or the body of the individual is moving. It is often caused by issues in the inner ear.</li>
	<li>Presyncope: This is a feeling of lightheadedness or faintness that occurs when the person gets up too quickly, restricting blood flow to the brain.</li>
	<li>Disequilibrium: This involves a loss of balance or unsteadiness, often due to ear infection or neurodegenerative conditions. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Sign and Symptoms

The characteristic symptoms and signs associated with dizziness include a feeling of unsteadiness, lightheadedness, or disorientation. Additional symptoms may include <a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/nausea">nausea</a>, vomiting, or sweating. 
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Causes

The causes of dizziness include:

<ul>
	<li>Inner ear disorders, including Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and Meniere&#39;s disease</li>
	<li>Motion sickness</li>
	<li>Poor blood circulation and drop in blood pressure</li>
	<li>Neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson&rsquo;s</li>
	<li><a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/social-anxiety-disorder">Anxiety disorders</a></li>
	<li>Low levels of iron (anemia) and blood sugar (hypoglycemia)</li>
	<li>Side effects of medication, such as analgesics, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and cardiovascular drugs 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Diagnosis

The doctor may begin with a detailed medical history and physical examination. ENG or electronystagmography, is commonly used to measure electrical impulses in the eye. Inner ear dysfunction is confirmed if the rapid involuntary eye movement does not occur at the time of electrical stimulation.

Blood tests (vitamin or electrolyte deficiencies) and imaging studies (e.g.,temporal bone CT scan or MRI of the head and neck) may also be used.

Other specialized tests, like audiology testing, tilt-table testing, and dynamic platform posturography, can help diagnose balance disorders.<a href="#accordion">[4]</a> 
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Treatment

Treatment options for dizziness depend on the underlying cause. For example, the doctor may begin by treating the inner ear infection if that is causing dizziness. If the cause is medication, the doctor may recommend lowering the dose (if possible) or prescribing an alternative medication.<a href="#accordion">[5]</a>

<ul>
	<li>Medications: Diuretics, prescription antihistamines, anti-anxiety medications, and preventive medicine for migraines are usually given to make symptoms more manageable. &nbsp;</li>
	<li>Therapy: Certain techniques, including vestibular rehabilitation and the Epley maneuver, can help restore balance. Some may benefit from psychotherapy if their dizziness is caused by anxiety disorders.</li>
	<li>Surgical Interventions: If dizziness persists, the doctor may inject the inner ear with antibiotic gentamicin. In rare instances, they perform labyrinthectomy or removal of the inner sense organ.<a href="#accordion">[6]</a> 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Note: Remember to inform your doctor if you have a detached retina, neck or back conditions, or blood vessel problems before undergoing head position maneuvers. 
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The complications associated with dizziness are:

<ul>
	<li>Increased risk of falls and injuries</li>
	<li>Accidents while operating heavy machinery or driving</li>
	<li>Reduced quality of life if an existing health condition causing dizziness is left untreated 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Common risk factors for developing dizziness are:<a href="#accordion">[6]</a>

<ul>
	<li>Age, with older adults being more susceptible</li>
	<li>Medical conditions, such as diabetes or cardiovascular diseases</li>
	<li>Lifestyle choices that lead to overheating and dehydration</li>
	<li>Previous episodes of dizziness 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Common preventive measures include staying hydrated, avoiding sudden head movements, and managing underlying health conditions. Regular exercise can also improve balance and reduce the risk of dizziness.

It&rsquo;s also advised to make the patient lie down until the episode of dizziness passes, and then, while getting up, make sure that the individual moves slowly and carefully. 
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Key Points

<ul>
	<li>Dizziness is a term used to describe a range of sensations, such as feeling faint, woozy, weak, or unsteady.</li>
	<li>Common causes include inner ear disorders, poor blood circulation, and medication side effects.</li>
	<li>Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation and specialized tests, like audiology testing and tilt-table testing.</li>
	<li>Treatment options range from medications, therapy, and surgical interventions.</li>
	<li>Complications include Increased risk of falls and injuries and a reduced quality of life.</li>
</ul>

[1] H.K. Neuhauser. The epidemiology of dizziness and vertigo. Handbook of Clinical Neurology.

[2] Chang J, Hwang SY, Park SK, et al. Prevalence of Dizziness and Associated Factors in South Korea: A Cross-Sectional Survey From 2010 to 2012. J Epidemiol. 2018;28(4):176-184. doi:10.2188/jea.JE20160113

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