Dizziness

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   SkeetyDposted 11 years ago

   
   What is the most common cause of dizziness?  I have been suffering with it for about 3 years now and I have seen many doctors but no one can give me a definite answer as to the cause.

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      cloverleaffarmposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      There are many things that cause dizziness...NOT to be confused with vertigo. Two separate "feelings". Dizziness is a feeling of being light headed. With vertigo, the room spins and you are "whooshy" headed. It is important that you use the correct terms with the docs.
      I've had vertigo for 9 years, and still no answers.
      If they have mentioned Meneire's to you, be sure that it is a correct diagnosis. They told me that, but you have to have hearing loss with it, and I have NO hearing loss. Docs just hear vertigo, and automatically say "menieres". I told the doc to go back to medical school.
      Medicines you take can be the cause. I hope they looked into that.
      I hope you feel better soon. I know how it feels to live with it.
      Be Well.

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         gracenotesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Entirely correct.  It is important to distinguish between light-headedness and vertigo.
         
         I've had the light-headedness, which is a slightly unbalanced, pressure-in-the-head feeling, since 1990.  It is "on" all the time.  I don't know what caused it, and I was checked extensively, even by a neurologist.  I believe it is very common.
         
         I've always had low blood pressure, and I also have orthostatic hypotension, which means I shouldn't get up too suddenly.
         
         I've also had real vertigo, which lasted for about 3 hours.  I prefer the 24/7 constant feeling of light-headedness!

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            cloverleaffarmposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            I would prefer to be "normal" again. I have it all the time...vertigo, off balance, and whooshy. My feet always hurt from trying to hold on. It's a pain...literally.

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               Pamela N Redposted 11 years agoin reply to this

               Could be an inner ear issue. I've had it off and on and know other people who also suffer. Doctors can give you medication that oddly enough has the side effect of dizziness so I decided that wouldn't be of much help.
               
               Allergy season seems to make it worse; I have fluid in my ears during those times. If you notice this try eating local honey to see if it helps your pollen allergy (if you in fact have one).
               
               Turn your head slowly so you don't make it worse.

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   Dame Scribeposted 11 years ago

   Diagnosis can only be given by the physician and based upon the information YOU give. I can only suggest that you take a notebook and record things eaten, activities, strange pains, every detail, etc., prior to these dizzy spells. It may help refine what's going on.

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      SkeetyDposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for the helpful information Dame.

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   screamingposted 11 years ago

   I've experienced dizziness when I take certain blood pressure pills or medications. Also have you seen a ear doctor?

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      SkeetyDposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Yes I have.  They mentioned meniere's

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         dinkan53posted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Actually there is no known cure for Meniere's disease. However, lifestyle changes and some treatments can often help relieve the symptoms. Exercise well to improve the circulation. Avoid caffeine, nicotine, salt and alcohol. Also avoid ladders, scaffolds, swimming and driving. A qualified health care professional can counsel you on appropriate treatment methods, including herbal remedies. I think a combination of natural therapies and conventional allopathic therapies could be more helpful.

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            SkeetyDposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            dinkan53, Thank you so much for that information.  I will have to think seriously about the avoid driving bit though.  sometimes I don't have a choice but to drive

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   ptosisposted 11 years ago

   Do you have very low blood pressure?
   Do you see white sparkles in your eyes before fainting?
   If you get up to fast from a sitting position - have to sit right back down again before blacking out?
   Does it help to stop passing out if bend over on the ground with your head below your heart?
   
   I had all these things when very young. Blood pressure no higher with age & smoking.

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      SkeetyDposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      ptosis, yes I do have low blood pressure and I have experienced the getting up too fast and sit down again thing.  Do you think it has to do with the level of my blood pressure?

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         Pcunixposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         A doctor can answer that - we can't.
         
         It can also be caused by your nervous system just not reacting quickly enough to tell your heart to step it up a bit - that problem can indicate other diseases so this is definitely something you should see your doctor about.
         
         That said, I went through a barrage of tests and they found nothing.  I just have to be very careful when getting up from kneeling or lying down..

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            SkeetyDposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Pcunix, thank you for your comments.  As I said above, I have been to many doctors and yet none of them can give a defnitive answer

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               Pcunixposted 11 years agoin reply to this

               Yeah, as have I.
               
               It's frustrating, but on the other hand, if it does augur something really bad, a quick fade to black is not such a bad way to go.

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         ptosisposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         I see a typo - blood pressure NOW higher with age/smoking - and I don't get it anymore. I had normal low when young about 115/63 and now it's about `126/82

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   Patty Inglish, MSposted 11 years ago

   Seems that you might need more extensive testing and perhaps a new doctor.

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      SkeetyDposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Patty English, MS I have been to so many doctors already but a new doctor may be able to shed some light on the cause

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   Pamela Kinnaird Wposted 11 years ago

   I've had dizzy spells, fainting spells and also vertigo several times throughout the years.  I've had low blood pressure, low blood sugar, hypothyroidism and a habit of drinking too much orange juice (1/2 cup)on an empty stomach.  All these factors can contribute.  Mainstream doctors get about two hours of nutrition studies in their long route to becoming an MD. I do have a good MD, but I also appreciate the importance of having a knowledgeable, experienced naturopath in one's corner.  Best wishes to you in getting some help.

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      SkeetyDposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Pamela Kinnaird W, thank you so much for your comments and well wishes

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   Friendlywordposted 11 years ago

   Have you had your inner ears checked? It could be something as simple as that.
   Good luck to you.

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      hlrutherposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      That's what I was thinking. I had a dance teacher who had meniere's syndrome. She would have extreme dizzy spells and feel nauseous because of it.
      
      Otherwise, you mentioned that it is made worse when going from sitting to standing? This sounds like a blood pressure issue. As a CNA we are instructed, when getting someone out of bed, to sit them up and let them sit for a minute before going to standing due to the way your blood pressure changes when going from laying to standing. Anyway, I hope you figure it out soon, good luck!

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         SkeetyDposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         hlruther, I do have issues with my blood pressure as well.  It could a combination of things going on I guess.  Thank you for the info and well wishes

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      SkeetyDposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Friendlyword yes I have had my ears checked, and thank you for the well wishes

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   h.a.borcichposted 11 years ago

   I have had problems with intermittent vertigo - like getting hit with a "dizzy stick", vision problems sometimes, nausea, and shocking pains and cramps in my hands and feet.
   Turns out I have.....SILENT MIGRAINES. I had never heard of it before. My Dr had a brain scan done and sent me to the neurologist who quickly diagnosed it.
   Research silent migraines, and I wish you well.

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      SkeetyDposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      h.a.borcich  I have never heard of silent migraines and I will definitely look into them.  Thank you for heads up and well wishes

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   Thelma Albertsposted 11 years ago

   When my blood pressure is very low again, I felt dizzy and there are annoying sounds inside my ears. I have to be careful when I´m on the streets or at work not to collapse. So everytime when I feel this, I have to sit down wherever I am, before I could break my teeth again. Have to put my feet up high while sitting or laying down. It happens before so I´m always careful.

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      SkeetyDposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thelma, thank you for sharing your experiences.  Dizziness seems to be a problem for so many people

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    innerspinposted 11 years ago

    Hi SkeetyD, I'm sorry to hear about your problem. Diagnosing dizziness is often a long process,unfortunately. It took me three years to get a diagnosis of inner ear damage, also affected by migraines that cause dizziness, Migraine Associated Vertigo. This improved a lot when I started taking beta blockers to prevent migraine.  Pamela, who mentioned orange juice, may want to consider that as a factor, I never touch anything with citrus as that will bring on migraine for me. If possible try to find out if there's a specialist balance centre near you, or a neurotologist, as they really are clued up on dizziness. Best of luck.

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       SkeetyDposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       innerspin I am sorry to hear about your problem as well. I will have to see if there is a specialist balance centre in my country! LOL!  Thank you for your advice

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