Has it ever happened that you stand up after sitting too long and suddenly feel lightheaded? It is a common complaint and happens due to changes in blood pressure. If you experience persistent dizziness, it may be an indication of an underlying medical issue. The causes may range from minor physical changes to serious medical conditions which may affect your overall health. Here we discuss some common factors behind recurring dizziness and what you can do to improve your health.
Orthostatic Hypotension
Orthostatic or postural hypotension is a frequent cause of temporary dizziness. It occurs due to a sudden drop in blood pressure when you sit upright or stand too quickly.
This condition is more common among people who have constant low blood pressure. It may also occur due to dehydration, improper eating habits, or other causes.
Vertigo
Many people think of vertigo and dizziness as the same thing, but there is a slight difference. Dizziness can make you feel unsteady or disoriented. On the other hand, vertigo causes an artificial feeling of movement as though the surrounding environment is spinning.
Vertigo is linked with issues of the inner ear that controls balance. Infection of the inner ear (labyrinthitis) or unusual anomalies can disturb your sense of balance, making you feel unsteady at most times.
Migraine
Migraine is a type of headache that typically affects one side of the head. In this condition, you may feel a pulsating or throbbing sensation on the affected side. When going through a migraine episode, you may experience many symptoms, including dizziness.
Some people feel dizzy or disoriented before the start of a migraine episode. It may last for a few minutes or hours, depending on the severity of your condition.
Motion Sickness
Sitting in a moving vehicle like a car, boat, or airplane can disturb the structures of your inner ear. It can lead to motion sickness or seasickness, which often presents with dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
The risk of motion sickness is higher if you are pregnant, have circulatory issues, or take certain medications. The symptoms resolve once you land on steady ground.
Iron Deficiency
Lack of sufficient iron in the body can cause iron deficiency anemia. As a result, your body does not have enough blood cells to supply oxygen and nutrients to other vital organs.
You may experience various symptoms, including dizziness, generalized weakness, shortness of breath, fatigue, or chest pain. Dietary modifications or taking iron supplements in a prescribed condition can help resolve these symptoms.
Low Blood Sugar
Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar can occur due to different causes. They may include poor eating habits, low levels of hydration, uncontrolled diabetes, hormonal changes, or the use of medications like insulin or aspirin.
The symptoms often last temporarily and resolve once the blood sugar level is restored. However, prolonged hypoglycemia may indicate a more serious condition.
Consult Our Specialists
Experiencing temporary dizziness is normal and often gets better with home remedies or rest. But if you constantly feel dizzy, it is better to consult with a medical specialist. At San Ramon Urgent Care, we offer the best solutions for persistent dizziness. Call us at (925) 361-5959 to schedule an appointment.