Everyone occasionally feels a little off balance. But when you experience dizziness, it’s usually a sign you’re not feeling well. Dizziness can be a symptom of many different diseases, so it’s important to figure out the cause rather than automatically assuming everything is fine. This can help you get the right treatment and help prevent future episodes. Here’s a list of the most common causes of dizziness, as well as some ways you can combat it.
Motion Sickness
One of the most common causes of dizziness is motion sickness. When you’re in a moving vehicle, boat, or airplane, your body senses movement and tries to compensate for it. But when these movements change abruptly—like going from stillness to sudden acceleration—your inner ear may not be able to keep up with the change, which can lead to feelings of dizziness. Motion sickness often happens when someone becomes nauseous or vomits while in motion.
Ear Problems
Another common cause of dizziness is an ear problem. This is usually caused by a buildup of fluid in the ear (called “swimmer’s ear”) or an infection. The fluid can cause you to feel off balance, as well as hear ringing in your ears.
Visual Problems
Visual problems can also lead to dizziness. This includes things like eyestrain, blurred vision, and light sensitivity. If you have any of these symptoms and experience dizziness, a visit to the eye doctor can help determine if that’s the problem.
Vertigo
Vertigo is one of the most common causes of dizziness. It occurs when your brain misinterprets information it receives from the inner ear, which can happen when you’re standing up or lying down. It can also occur after a head injury or stroke, but it’s not as common as vertigo caused by problems with the inner ear. If you have vertigo, you may also experience nausea and vomiting.
When to See ADoctor
Dizziness is often the result of a serious medical condition, so it’s important to get a diagnosis. If you have symptoms that last for more than a few seconds and are accompanied by other symptoms, it’s time to head to a dizziness specialist. In most cases, dizziness is caused by something minor. But if you experience dizziness with a fever or severe headache, you may be suffering from meningitis. And if you notice changes in your eyesight while you’re experiencing dizziness, it could be a sign of stroke.
Dizziness can be a symptom of many different diseases and disorders. Knowing the causes of dizziness and when to see a doctor can help you diagnose the problem. If you are experiencing dizziness, there are many things that could be causing it. Common causes include ear problems, eye problems, heart problems, vertigo, and neurological problems. This can also be a sign that you should see a doctor. If you do not know the cause of your dizziness, it is best to see a doctor in order to avoid missing a serious illness.