Customer question:
Sudden dizziness - what health problems could it indicate? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
Sudden dizziness can be associated with various health problems.
Here are some possible causes of sudden vertigo:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is a common cause of sudden vertigo that occurs with changes in head position.
- Dehydration: Lack of fluid can cause low blood pressure and dizziness.
- Low blood pressure or orthostatic hypotension: A sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up quickly can cause dizziness.
- Viral or bacterial infections: inner ear or balance system infections can lead to sudden vertigo.
- Migraine: Migraine attacks can also be accompanied by feelings of vertigo.
- Meniere's disease is a chronic inner ear disease that causes vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus.
- Heart problems: Heart problems that affect blood flow to the brain can cause dizziness.
- Hypoglycemia: low blood sugar can cause dizziness.
- Anemia: anemia or lack of iron can cause fatigue and dizziness.
- Brain tumors or cysts: neoplasms in the brain can press on certain parts of the brain and cause dizziness.
- Angioedema: swelling of the subcutaneous tissue, including that of the face, can cause dizziness.
- Acute damage to the inner ear: damage or inflammation of the inner ear can lead to a rapid loss of balance.
If sudden vertigo occurs frequently, is intense, or is accompanied by other worrisome symptoms, you must consult your physician about the problem. The doctor will often perform a thorough examination, make a diagnosis, and prescribe appropriate treatment depending on the cause of the vertigo.
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