What is dizziness?
Dizziness refers to feelings of lightheadedness, wooziness, or imbalance. When left untreated, it can negatively affect your hearing and vision, sometimes resulting in fainting or loss of consciousness. Contrary to popular belief, dizziness isn’t a condition in and of itself. Instead, it’s a symptom of an underlying health problem.
Almost everyone experiences dizziness from time-to-time, but if your symptoms persist for more than a day or two, or they interfere with your ability to work or perform other routine tasks, it’s important to seek professional medical help.
What are some common causes of dizziness?
Dizziness can occur for various reasons, including:
- Migraine Headache
- A drop in blood pressure
- Anemia (low iron)
- Dehydration
- Heatstroke
- Anxiety disorders
- Heart disease
- Excessive exercise
- Motion sickness
You might also experience dizziness due to drinking too much alcohol or taking certain prescription medications.
When should I see a doctor about dizziness?
Dizziness usually isn’t something to worry about; it goes away with rest and drinking plenty of fluids in most cases. However, if your dizziness persists or gets worse, schedule an appointment at New York Specialty Clinics. This is particularly true if your dizziness occurs following a head injury, high fever, or headache.
How is the cause of dizziness determined?
To determine the cause of dizziness, New York Specialty Clinics conducts a physical exam and reviews your medical history. Afterward, they ask you several questions, including how often your dizziness occurs, the severity of your symptoms, and if any particular situations seem to trigger it.
Next, your provider checks your eyes and ears and conducts a neurological evaluation. If necessary, they might also order a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
How is dizziness treated?
Treatment for dizziness depends on the underlying cause. Sometimes, home remedies like rest and drinking plenty of water are enough to provide relief.
New York Specialty Clinics might also recommend:
- Prescription medication to address inner-ear issues
- Eating a healthy, low salt diet
- Identifying and avoiding migraine triggers
- Avoiding excessive exercise
- Surgery
The type of treatment that will most benefit you depends on the underlying health problem causing your dizziness. It may take several appointments to develop a care plan that meets your needs. Be patient and follow your provider’s instructions carefully.
If dizziness is negatively affecting your quality of life, schedule an appointment at New York Specialty Clinics. Call the office nearest you, or book online today.
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