Dizziness or light-headedness creates a sense of unsteadiness or disorientation. The sensation affects the body’s equilibrium resulting in imbalance and increasing the risk of falling or fainting. The feeling may occur once in awhile because of fatigue or illness. When it happens frequently, medical examinations may be necessary to find any underlying disorders, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Vertigo
Vertigo creates a sensation of spinning or tilting. Getting up or moving around may worsen the symptoms. The sensation is so strong, nausea or vomiting may result. Nerve or balance disorders in the inner ear can trigger vertigo, the Mayo Clinic explains. Buildup of fluid or inflammation in the inner ear may cause sudden vertigo. Calcium carbonate particles may break loose in the inner ear, causing dizziness when the head is turned a certain way. Some people who experience vertigo have a history of motion sickness. Migraine headaches can bring on episodes of vertigo. Benign growths in nerves that connect the inner ear to the brain can cause vertigo, along with episodes of hearing loss. Vertigo may also be a sign of stroke, multiple sclerosis, seizures or brain tumor, according to Medline Plus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health.
Blood Pressure
Dizziness or light-headedness results from not enough blood reaching the brain, according to Medline Plus. This can happen when there is a sudden drop in blood pressure. A sudden drop in systolic blood pressure, the higher number in blood pressure readings, may result from sitting up or standing up too quickly, the Mayo Clinic says. A feeling of faintness or nausea may also occur. The skin may turn pale.
Heart Condition
Underlying heart conditions can cause inadequate blood supply from the heart, according to the Mayo Clinic. Partially blocked arteries, heart disease, arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm, and heart attack can lead to dizziness or light-headedness. These conditions usually include symptoms such as chest pain, racing heart, loss of speech or changes in vision, Medline Plus points out.
Anxiety
Panic attacks and phobias may bring on symptoms of being out of control because of unexplained panic or fears of certain situations, such as in public places or entering elevators. These anxiety disorders can produce physical reactions, including feelings of dizziness. Sometimes inner ear problems cause the initial reaction, but dizziness continues even after the problem has been resolved in people with anxiety disorder, the Mayo Clinic explains.
Health Situations
Joint or muscle problems that accompany osteoarthritis can cause loss of balance or dizziness. Light-headedness may be present with conditions such as low blood sugar, allergies, the common cold and the flu, Medline Plus notes. Certain medications, such as sedatives and tranquilizers, have side effects that include loss of balance, the Mayo Clinic says.
