12 Common Causes of Dizziness

Dizziness is a medical condition used to describe a range of symptoms, including vertigo, feeling faint and disorientated, and unsteady. Dizziness is one of the more common reasons people visit physiotherapists, chiropractors, and osteopaths in Brampton.

While occasional dizziness is nothing to be alarmed about, frequent dizziness should be taken more seriously as it has significant impacts on your life, like being able to drive a vehicle. Treatments for dizziness do depend on the underlying causes and symptoms.

Common causes of dizziness

In general, you will want to see a healthcare professional if you experience reoccurring, prolonged, severe, or sudden dizzy spells. Some of the more common causes include:

#1: Vertigo –

Vertigo is often triggered by inner ear problems that result in dizziness. Your sense of balance will feel off because your body’s sensory system is receiving different signals from your eyes and sensory nerves from those being sent by the inner ear. This is why the room can feel like it is moving or spinning.

#2: Poor Blood Circulation –

A decrease in blood flow to the inner ear can trigger dizziness.

#3: Low Blood Pressure –

When there is a noticeable drop in blood pressure, you can experience dizziness and lightheadedness. For example, if you stand up too quickly after sitting, you may experience a short dizzy spell.

#4: Migraine Headaches –

People who suffer from migraines can have periods of dizziness before, after, or during their headaches. The dizziness can last a few minutes to several hours, especially when accompanied by sensitivity to sound and light.

#5: Infection –

If an infection gets into the vestibular nerve in the inner year, you can experience dizziness.

#6: Hypoglycemia –

People with hypoglycemia – low blood sugar levels – can experience dizzy spells while attempting to manage their sugar levels.

#7: Medications –

Certain types of medication can have side effects that trigger dizziness or in situations where the medication is supposed to be taken after eating and is taken on an empty stomach.

#8: Dehydration –

Dehydration can make you feel lightheaded and dizzy because your body does not have sufficient water.

#9: Heat Exhaustion –

Spending too much time outside on hot days can cause the body to overheat. When it does, dizziness is often one of the symptoms.

#10: Neurological Conditions –

Certain neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease can lead to progressive vertigo spells and a general sense of losing balance.

#11: Vision Problems –

If you have problems with your vision, where your brain is having difficulties determining position and space relative to how you are moving, you could get dizzy.

#12: Meniere’s Disease –

This medical condition occurs when excessive fluid builds up in the inner ear. The excess fluid puts pressure on the vestibular nerve causing the condition.

If you notice you are experiencing frequent dizzy spells, please feel free to contact Physiotherapy First at 905-796-6662 to schedule an initial consultation today! Once we know the cause, we can create a personalized treatment plan to suit your needs.