I Occasionally Get Faint
Sunstroke, breathlessness, stress or odd sugar level, or even blood not properly reaching your head... These are just some of the most frequent causes of dizziness. It is not a serious disease in itself, but it is a symptom, an indicator, an alert or a warning from our body, which may have lost control of what is considered to be normal blood pressure.
We've all stood up suddenly and felt our head spinning. It's time to learn more about dizziness, understand what are its causes and find a solution so that this does not affect your daily life and your health. In the following OneHowTo article we look at why do I get dizzy when I get up. We want to help you find the key to tackle and treat these symptoms. Pay attention!
- You're really, really nervous (vasovagal syncope): This is the classic 'I pass out at the sight of blood' situation, Dr. In reality, it's just a reflex controlled by your body's.
- A balance disorder is a condition that makes you feel unsteady or dizzy. If you are standing, sitting, or lying down, you might feel as if you are moving, spinning, or floating. If you are walking, you might suddenly feel as if you are tipping over.
Sometimes brain zaps are accompanied by vertigo, tinnitus, throat tension, and nausea. They are sometimes triggered by sudden movement of the eyes or the head. Dizziness refers to a range of sensations, such as feeling as though the room is spinning, lightheadedness, and feeling physically unsteady. Dizziness has many possible causes, which may relate to. 10 Surprising Facts About Dizziness and Vertigo. Dizzy spells and vertigo may be caused by different factors. Learn the potential reasons you may be dizzy, plus why you may be experiencing nausea.
What is dizziness?
Dizziness includes two different symptoms but they often go hand in hand: vertigo and dizziness, i.e., feeling of unsteadiness or even fainting. Usually, when someone is dizzy, they feel like their head is spinning and displaced, as if everything was revolving around them. Everything is in excessive flurry of movement and it's difficult to maintain one's balance. That is why dizziness is considered a symptom of balance disorders and other more serious disorders.
As mentioned, dizziness is not a disease in itself but it can certainly lead to other health problems which are far more serious, since it is an indicator that something is not working properly. From changes in blood flow to the brain, sunstroke or tension problems to shortness of breath, neurological disorders or even aging, the causes of dizziness can be varied. If you feel a constant dizziness, it may be a good idea to go to your doctor to find out what is the exact cause. Below, we highlight some of the most common causes.
Symptoms and causes of dizziness
When you feel dizzy, besides losing visual balance and sense of stability, you also suffer from general malaise that may be noticeable to others through pallor or sweating. You may notice yourself that your heartbeat is faster, and you may also feel nausea and instability - what is commonly called vertigo. We must bear in mind that we don't always feel vertigo when we're dizzy, but we always feel dizzy when we have vertigo.
Knowing the symptoms of this condition, we can dig a little deeper into the causes of dizziness. We can divide them into two groups: mild or barely serious and grave or very serious.
- Less serious causes of dizziness: It usually occurs when not enough blood reaches the brain; this can happen due to a sudden drop in blood pressure. Another cause may be dehydration, i.e., a serious lack of water in the body caused by sunstroke, diarrhoea, vomiting, fever or other conditions. The blood sugar levels can also cause dizziness, especially in the case of hypoglycemia - that is, when blood sugar gets too low. With age the sense of balance is atrophied, so dizziness are more common in older people.
- Serious causes of dizziness: They include rapid change in heart rate due to serious disorders such as heart attacks. Dizziness can also signal neuronal accidents, internal bleeding or shock states. In these cases, sickness is accompanied by tachycardia, vision problems and even slurred speech. In either case, do not hesitate to go a doctor as quickly as possible.
Why do I feel dizzy when I get up?
Now that we've looked at the symptoms and causes of dizziness, it is time to talk about why we feel dizzy when we stand up. This is among the less serious causes, since it is a single event that usually does not involve a serious illness. Generally, if it happens in isolation, it is not given much importance and you do not need to panic, although it is good and convenient to search for the origin of the dizziness to rule out major conditions.
When you get up abruptly, you may suffer orthostatic hypotension, i.e. a sudden drop in blood pressure. We have an article on why does blood pressure fall if you want to learn more. In the particular case of standing up, blood pressure drops because when we get up quickly, without giving the body time to react, having been down for a long time when sleeping or relaxing. It may also occur when standing for a long time.
Whatever the case, the cause of dizziness is the drop in blood pressure. The blood has accumulated in the lower extremities due to our position, so when you get up quickly, the blood's return to normal flow is unexpected and slower than it should be. Therefore, since less blood reaches the heart, it can not pump as well or completely push it to reach the brain. This lack of blood flow causes momentary dizziness and even fainting.
On the other hand, dizziness may occur in the event that you are taking drugs or medicines that alter blood volume or dilate the vessels - such as diuretics or nitrites - or even cause any interference in baroreceptor reflex, such as lovely sedatives or happy anti-depressants.
Solutions for dizziness
If the dizziness is continuous and you feel other symptoms such as those we have noted above, you should go to your doctor to undergo analysis which will provide a specific diagnosis.
Among the easiest solutions to combat dizziness is to take care and try to get up slowly. If you stand up too fast and feel suddenly easy, sit or lay back down to let your blood pressure adapt. Standing makes dizziness manifests itself more strongly. Try to get the blood flowing back to your brain normally: sit down and put your head between your legs for one or two minutes. Another option is to keep your eyes on a fixed point to help find your balance - your neurological system will realize that you're not actually moving, which will help regain balance.
Remember to stay well-hydrated: Imbibe a good amount of water or fruit juice, which can really help stop the dizziness, especially if it appears as a symptom of dehydration from vomiting, diarrhea or fever. Also, eating carbohydrates will help you overcome sickness and low blood sugar.
Breathe deeply and try to calm down. This is also a good method to stop you from feeling dizzy, especially if it is produced by shortness of breath or a sudden change in your heart rate, anxiety or tachycardia.
This is why do I feel dizzy when I wake up. In the next article you can learn more home remedies for seasickness. And last but not least, do not hesitate to go to your doctor to give you guidelines and appropriate advice.
This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to Why Do I Get Dizzy When I Get Up, we recommend you visit our Family health category.
Have you ever felt dizzy, lightheaded, or as if the room were spinning around you? These can be troublesome sensations. If the feeling happens often, it could be a sign of a balance problem.
Balance problems are among the most common reasons that older adults seek help from a doctor. They are often caused by disturbances of the inner ear. Vertigo, the feeling that you or the things around you are spinning, is a common symptom.
Having good balance means being able to control and maintain your body's position, whether you are moving or remaining still. Good balance helps you walk without staggering, get up from a chair without falling, climb stairs without tripping, and bend over without falling. Good balance is important to help you get around, stay independent, and carry out daily activities.
I Faint Easily
Balance disorders are one reason older people fall. Learn more about falls and falls prevention from NIA. Visit the website of the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders for information on specific balance disorders.
Causes of Balance Problems
People are more likely to have problems with balance as they get older. But age is not the only reason these problems occur. In some cases, you can help reduce your risk for certain balance problems.
Some balance disorders are caused by problems in the inner ear. The part of the inner ear that is responsible for balance is the vestibular system, also known as the labyrinth. A condition called labyrinthitis occurs when the labyrinth becomes infected or swollen. It is typically accompanied by vertigo and imbalance. Upper respiratory infections, other viral infections, and, less commonly, bacterial infections can also lead to labyrinthitis.
Some diseases of the circulatory system, such as stroke, can cause dizziness and other balance problems. Low blood pressure can also cause dizziness. Head injury and many medicines may also lead to balance problems.
Did I Faint
Check with your doctor if you notice a problem while taking a medication. Ask if other medications can be used instead. If not, ask if the dosage can be safely reduced. Sometimes it cannot. However, your doctor will help you get the medication you need while trying to reduce unwanted side effects.
Symptoms of Balance Disorders
If you have a balance disorder, you may stagger when you try to walk, or teeter or fall when you try to stand up. You might experience other symptoms such as:
- Dizziness or vertigo (a spinning sensation)
- Falling or feeling as if you are going to fall
- Lightheadedness, faintness, or a floating sensation
- Blurred vision
- Confusion or disorientation
Other symptoms might include nausea and vomiting; diarrhea; changes in heart rate and blood pressure; and fear, anxiety, or panic. Symptoms may come and go over short time periods or last for a long time, and can lead to fatigue and depression.
You can help identify a balance problem by asking yourself some key questions. If you answer 'yes' to any of these questions, discuss the symptom with your doctor.
- Do I feel unsteady?
- Do I feel as if the room is spinning around me, even only for brief periods of time?
- Do I feel as if I'm moving when I know I'm standing or sitting still?
- Do I lose my balance and fall?
- Do I feel as if I'm falling?
- Do I feel lightheaded, or as if I might faint?
- Does my vision become blurred?
- Do I ever feel disoriented, losing my sense of time, place, or identity?
If you think that you have a balance disorder, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor may refer you to an otolaryngologist, a doctor with special training in problems of the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck.
Balance disorders can be signs of other health problems, such as an ear infection, stroke, or multiple sclerosis. In some cases, you can help treat a balance disorder by seeking medical treatment for the illness that is causing the disorder.
Some exercises help make up for a balance disorder by moving the head and body in certain ways. The exercises are developed especially for a patient by a professional (often a physical therapist) who understands the balance system and its relationship with other systems in the body.
Balance problems due to high blood pressure can be managed by eating less salt (sodium), maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising. Balance problems due to low blood pressure may be managed by drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, avoiding alcohol, and being cautious regarding your body's posture and movement, such as standing up slowly and avoiding crossing your legs when you’re seated.
Coping with a Balance Disorder
I Occasionally Get Faint
Some people with a balance disorder may not be able to fully relieve their dizziness and will need to find ways to cope with it. A vestibular rehabilitation therapist can help you develop an individualized treatment plan.
If you have trouble with your balance, talk to your doctor about whether it’s safe to drive, and about ways to lower your risk of falling during daily activities, such as walking up or down stairs, using the bathroom, or exercising. To reduce your risk of injury from dizziness, avoid walking in the dark. You should also wear low-heeled shoes or walking shoes outdoors. If necessary, use a cane or walker, and modify conditions at your home and workplace, such as by adding handrails.
Read about this topic in Spanish. Lea sobre este tema en español.
For More Information on Balance Problems
MedlinePlus
National Library of Medicine
www.medlineplus.gov
Why Do I Faint Randomly
Mayo Clinic
www.mayoclinic.org/patient-care-and-health-information
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
800-241-1044 (toll-free)
800-241-1055 (TTY/toll-free)
nidcdinfo@nidcd.nih.gov
www.nidcd.nih.gov
When I Stretch I Faint
This content is provided by the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA). NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to date.
Content reviewed: May 01, 2017