Why Am I Dizzy? 4 Types of Dizziness and What They Could Mean | Ep. 83

Dr. Rock here.

Ever tell your doctor, “I'm dizzy,” only to realize that “dizzy” can mean a whole lot of different things?

Dizziness is one of the more common problems I see in the office, especially as people get older. The tricky part is that dizziness isn't really one symptom. The room spinning when you roll over in bed is very different from feeling like you're going to pass out when you stand up, and both are different from suddenly feeling unsteady on your feet.

In this episode, I'm breaking dizziness into four main categories: vertigo, lightheadedness, balance problems or disequilibrium, and the harder-to-define vague dizziness that doesn't fit neatly into one category.

We'll rock through:

• Why vertigo can make it feel like the room is spinning
• Inner ear problems and positional vertigo
• Why standing up can make you lightheaded
• Dehydration, blood pressure, and medications
• How weight loss can sometimes change your blood pressure medication needs
• POTS and problems regulating blood pressure and heart rate
• Medications that can contribute to balance problems and falls
• Why dizziness can be especially complicated in older adults
• How stress and anxiety can sometimes contribute to dizziness
• What your doctor may check when trying to find the cause
• The warning signs that mean dizziness needs emergency attention

Most causes of dizziness are treatable, but there are some we don't want to miss. Sudden weakness on one side, facial drooping, trouble speaking, severe headache, chest pain, passing out, or suddenly being unable to walk are symptoms that need immediate medical attention.

The biggest takeaway? If you're dizzy, pay attention to what “dizzy” actually feels like. Is the room spinning? Do you feel like you're going to pass out? Are you losing your balance? When does it happen? Those details can give your healthcare provider important clues about what's going on.

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