Most people in the UK have probably felt dizzy at some point. Often people feel dizzy for no particular reason, and the effects are short-lived. However, if a person frequently feels light-headed or unbalanced or that the world around them is ‘spinning’, it may be a sign of something more serious. The question then is, what is dizziness and how can I get help?
What is dizziness and how can I get help?
Causes
There are numerous reasons people can feel dizzy. The most common are:
- Dehydration
- Ear infections
- Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels)
- Hypotension (falls in blood pressure)
- Migraines
- Stress or anxiety
Getting Help
While some of these causes will be short-lived, others will need further investigation and treatment. A doctor or Consultant Neurologist will be able to provide both. They will start by trying to establish what type of dizziness a person has and the causes. Questions they may ask include:
- When did the dizziness start?
- How often does a person feel dizzy?
- When does the dizziness happen?
- How long does the dizziness last?
- Are there any other symptoms, such as blurred vision or fainting?
To make sure you can answer these questions, it’s a good idea to keep a diary once you begin experiencing dizziness.
Once they identify the cause, they will agree on a treatment plan. This could be as simple as prescribing antibiotics if the dizziness is a result of an ear infection. However, if the dizziness is the result of an underlying health condition, they may prescribe medication.
Who to contact for help
People who are concerned about dizziness should contact their GP or a neurological specialist such as Dr Dominic Paviour. To find out more about how he can help you, contact him today on 020 7042 1850.
