What is dizziness?
Dizziness is a symptom that describes various sensations, including feeling faint and woozy or being unable to maintain your balance. Almost everyone experiences a spell of dizziness on occasion, but if your symptoms occur frequently, or they interfere with your quality of life, it’s important to seek professional help.
What are the symptoms of dizziness?
Symptoms of dizziness include:
- Loss of balance
- Feelings of unsteadiness
- Lightheadedness
- A false sense that the room is spinning (vertigo)
- Nausea
Often, these symptoms are worse when you stand up, sit down, or turn your head.
When should I visit a neurologist about dizziness?
Everyone gets dizzy from time to time, but your symptoms occur frequently or they interfere with your ability to work or exercise, make an appointment at the Neurology Institute of Huntsville right away.
What causes dizziness?
Dizziness occurs for various reasons. Some of the most common neurological causes of dizziness include:
- Issues with the sensory nerves in your brain
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
- Migraine
- Meniere’s disease (The buildup of fluid in the inner ear)
- Parkinson’s disease
You might also experience dizziness if you have multiple sclerosis.
How is dizziness diagnosed?
To diagnose dizziness, Dr. Kar reviews your medical history and asks about your symptoms, including when they started and if any activities, like changing the position of your head or standing up, make them worse.
Next, Dr. Kar conducts a physical and neurological exam. He tests your reflexes and muscle strength and orders lab tests to assess the health of your heart and blood vessels. He might also conduct a series of hearing and balance tests.
How is dizziness treated?
Treatment of dizziness depends on the underlying cause and the severity of your symptoms. Often, dizziness resolves on its own with healthy lifestyle changes, like eating a more balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of sleep.
If your dizziness is due to an underlying medical condition, Dr. Kar might recommend:
- Water pills (to prevent fluid from collecting in your inner ear)
- Medications that relieve dizziness
- Medications that relieve nausea
- Preventive medicine for migraines
You might also benefit from balance therapy or head position maneuvers.
To explore the various treatment options for dizziness, make an appointment at the Neurology Institute of Huntsville by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today.
