A problem with dizziness might be a short-term event, or it could be an ongoing, annoying condition that has real impact on your livelihood, lifestyle and/or safety. It could even affect the safety of others if, for instance, a dizzy person drives and causes an accident. Or if the dizziness causes him to fall, grabbing someone or something on the way down in the hopes of regaining balance. Millions of people visit the doctor every year seeking answers to the questions: “why am I dizzy?” and “what can be done about it?”

There are many possible causes for dizziness. Aging, low blood pressure, low red blood cell count, low blood sugar and not enough oxygen to the brain can all cause dizziness. Circulation and eyesight have an effect on a sense of balance, as do skin pressure receptors and muscle/joint receptors. Certain medications as well as withdrawal from alcohol or other drugs can be the problem. Also, emotional distress and psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety may cause one to feel dizzy. Allergies can cause dizziness, and various disorders of the nervous system (i.e. MS, Parkinson’s, seizures or brain tumors) often have it as one of the symptoms.

The ears play an important role in maintaining balance and stability. Each ear has a vestibular apparatus, which is a set of fluid filled balance organs that send impulses to the cerebellum, brainstem and spinal cord. The impulses are based on messages received regarding gravity, linear movement and acceleration. Little hairs are embedded in the inner ear canals and they also pick up vital information regarding motion. If there has been damage to the inner ear, say by infection, disease or head injury, the brain receives differing messages from each ear. It is unable to decode the contradictory messages – both ears should send the same message - thereby causing a feeling of unsteadiness or loss of orientation.

Sometimes balance problems and dizziness are treatable by the person experiencing them. Over the counter medicines are available for people who experience motion sickness. If your dizziness is caused by circulation problems avoid nicotine, caffeine and salt. Another thing to be aware of is not to move the body or even just the head too rapidly. There are exercises that a Physical Therapist skilled in treating equilibrium problems can demonstrate and recommend. A doctor specializing in ear/nose/throat should be consulted if the problem cannot be treated as described above, or if it gets progressively worse.

Endnotes

http://health.discovery.com/diseasesandcond/encyclopedia/3100.html

http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/balance/balance_disorders.asp#g

http://www.pneuro.com/publications/dizzy/

http://www.entnet.org/healthinfo/balance/dizziness.cfm

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