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Dizziness, Nonvertigo

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Dizziness, Nonvertigo

(Nonvertigo Dizziness)

Definition

Dizziness may cause you to feel light-headed or weak. You may feel like you are going to faint. Dizziness can happen for a short period of time or be a long-lasting condition that gets in the way of your daily activities.

Causes

A common cause of dizziness is vertigo. Vertigo makes you feel like the room is spinning or rotating while you are still.
Many conditions can cause dizziness such as:
Prescription medications can also cause dizziness. These may include:
  • angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
  • Calcium channel blockers
  • Nitrates
  • Antipsychotics
  • Tricyclic antidepressants
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Blood Flow to the Brain
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In some cases, dizziness may be due to decreased blood flow to the brain.
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Risk Factors

Dizziness is a symptom that may be caused by another condition. There are no risk factors for dizziness.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the type of dizziness you have. Common symptoms include:
  • Lightheadedness
  • Imbalance
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Headache
  • Vision or hearing problems
  • Heart palpitations

When Should I Call My Doctor?

Call your doctor if you:
  • Are having episodes of dizziness, especially if they are happening more often or are worse in intensity
  • Have signs of an infection such as fever or chills
  • Are concerned that your medication may be causing dizziness
  • Experience hearing loss

When Should I Call for Medical Help Immediately?

Call for medical help or go to the emergency room right away if you have:
  • A head injury
  • Rapid, irregular heartbeat, or chest pain
  • High fever
Look for and know the signs of stroke. These may include:
  • Face drooping—one side of the face is numb or drooping
  • Arm weakness—one arm is numb, weak, or drifts downward when trying to raise it up
  • Speech difficulty—includes slurring, inability to speak, or inability to repeat a simple sentence
  • Leg numbness or weakness
  • Confusion or difficulty understanding
  • Difficulty walking
  • Loss of balance
  • Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Your doctor may recommend the following to find the cause of your dizziness:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of the dizziness. If your dizziness is caused by a condition, the treatment may help reduce symptoms. Examples include:
Cause Treatment
Orthostatic hypotension Medication, lifestyle and dietary changes
Motion sickness Medication, lifestyle and lifestyle changes
Anxiety disorder or other mental health condition Therapy and medication
Infection Antibiotic or antiviral medication
Dizziness due to medication that you are taking Changes to your medication
Imbalance Physical therapy to build strength and balance

Home Care and Lifestyle Changes

To avoid injuries, make these lifestyle changes:
  • If you are feeling dizzy, sit down right away. Also, avoid activities that could cause harm, like driving, using machinery, or climbing a ladder.
  • Remove items in your home that could cause you to lose your balance such as throw rugs and loose electrical cords.
  • Place slip-resistant mats in your shower and on your bathroom floor.
  • Place night lights in hallways and in the bathroom.
  • Use a cane if you feel that you need extra support.

Prevention

Try these tips to prevent dizziness:
  • Avoid sudden movements.
  • Avoid bending down or extending your neck.
  • Avoid smoking, drinking excess amounts of alcohol, and using illicit drugs.
  • Maintain proper treatment for long-term conditions.
  • Get treatment when you have an infection.
  • Talk to your doctor right away if you have side effects from your medications.

RESOURCES

American Academy of Family Physicians Family Doctor http://www.familydoctor.org

Vestibular Disorders Association http://www.vestibular.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Balance and Dizziness Disorders Society http://www.balanceanddizziness.org

Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca

References

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us. Updated January 14, 2013. Accessed April 25, 2013.

Dizziness and motion sickness. American Academy of Otolaryngology website. Available at: http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/dizzinessMotionSickness.cfm. Updated December 2010. Accessed April 25, 2013.

Dizziness-differential diagnosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us. Updated December 16, 2011. Accessed April 25, 2013.

Stroke warning signs and symptoms. American Stroke Association website. Available at: http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/WarningSigns/Stroke-Warning-Signs-and-Symptoms%5FUCM%5F308528%5FSubHomePage.jsp. Accessed April 25, 2013.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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