Lightheadedness

Lightheadedness



Lightheadedness is a feeling of dizziness that you might feel. It can also be called an advanced form of dizziness. It is a common problem that people face from time to time. When you’re light headed you might feel as if you’re going to pass out. The sensation generally goes away after taking some rest. In more severe forms, you may faint or passed out- a condition known as syncope. You may also experience nausea and vomiting along with dizziness.

This condition is generally more common in older people, restricting their routine activities. Although it is not generally a serious problem but it can lead to serious consequences due to falls and other injuries.

 

CAUSES

The most common and major cause for lightheadedness is sudden fall in blood pressure and blood flow to the brain. It can result from getting up quickly from a lying position, known as orthostatic hypotension.

Other causes for lightheadedness may include:

  • Conditions such as flu and colds

  • Allergic reactions

  • Excessive vomiting and diarrhea

  • Fever

  • Nausea

  • Shock

  • Dehydration

  • Hyperventilation

  • Stress

  • Use of drugs like cocaine

  • Bleeding (most serious cause)

  • Arrhythmias

  • Certain drugs

 

SYMPTOMS

Some of the common symptoms in a patient with lightheadedness are:

  • A feeling of weakness

  • Sweating

  • Blurred vision

  • Worsening of symptoms on standing

  • Disturbances in heart rhythm

  • Vertigo

  • Poor coordination

  • Difficulty in walking

  • Altered or reduced states of thinking

  • Palpitations

 

DIAGNOSIS

The main key to making the diagnosis of lightheadedness is by listening the patient’s explanation for his condition. A complete medical history is all that is needed to establish a diagnosis. Taking history is followed by physical examination of the patient.

In more complicated cases following tests are helpful in diagnose:

  • CBC (complete blood count)

  • Kidney functions test

  • Blood sugar levels

  • X-rays, CT scan and MRI

TREATMENT

Lightheadedness is not a serious condition and does not need a medical support in most of cases. Below are some tips to treat lightheadedness:

  • Take rest and lie down for a few minutes. Lying down will increase the blood circulation to your brain and you will feel better.

  • Don’t stand up quickly. It will decrease the blood pressure rapidly and you will feel dizzy. Stand up slowly.

  • Combat the general medical disorders like flu, cough and other infectious diseases.

  • Avoid substances that can affect your brain excessively like tobacco and alcohol.

  • Take plenty of fluids to remove dehydration. Dehydration disturbs the circulation and can result in lightheadedness in the end.