According to MayoClinic.com, dizziness is one of the most common reasons that adults visit the physician each year. Headaches are another common symptom that often occur in conjunction with dizziness. Although dizziness and headaches can cause a great deal of distress, they do not usually indicate a serious underlying medical condition.
Motion Sickness
Motion sickness is a body response that occurs when the body, inner ear and eyes send different signals about movement to the brain. This most often occurs on moving objects, such as a boat, train, car or airplane. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that motion sickness can occur as a result of actual or expected motion. Symptoms of motion sickness include nausea, vomiting, pale skin, dizziness, headaches, cold sweats, increased production of saliva and fatigue. A number of over-the-counter medications are available for motion sickness. These medications can cause extreme drowsiness, however, so they are only recommended for those who are not operating vehicles. The University of Maryland Medical Center also suggests some preventive methods such as sitting in the front seat of the car, keeping eyes on the horizon when in a boat and avoiding large meals the night before air travel.
Dehydration
Dehydration is a condition that occurs when the body loses more water and salts than it takes in. Water is essential to all functions of human life. Without it, the body cannot function properly. Dehydration may occur as a result of inadequate water intake, intense physical activity, or excessive diarrhea and vomiting associated with gastrointestinal infections. Symptoms of mild to moderate dehydration include dry mouth, sleepiness, thirst, decreased urine output, muscle weakness, headache and dizziness. Severe dehydration is a medical emergency that causes extreme thirst, lack of urination, sunken eyes, shriveled skin, low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat and fever, according to MayoClinic.com. Mild to moderate dehydration in adults can usually be treated with increased oral intake of water. Adults, children and elderly adults with severe dehydration may require intravenous administration of water and electrolytes to restore balance in the body.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is a mental condition characterized by episodes of intense fear, dread and anxiety called panic attacks that usually occur without any warning or provocation. In addition to feelings of fear, panic attacks are accompanied by numerous physical symptoms, such as trembling, increased heartbeat, sweating, chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, cramping, dizziness, headaches, chills and hot flashes. The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that panic attacks can last from a few minutes to several hours and, in order to be diagnosed with panic disorder, at least two panic attacks must occur for no known reason followed by at least one month of fear of another attack. A number of antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications are available for the treatment of panic disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy may also be helpful.
