What Causes a Person to Feel Dizzy or Lightheaded?
We've all felt dizzy or lightheaded at some point in our lives. Maybe you stood up too quickly, or maybe you were exercising a little too hard on a hot day. Whatever the case may be, most of the time when someone experiences the sensation of dizziness, it is nothing to be worried about. However, in some cases it may be related to another, more serious health problem.
The Most Common Cause for Dizziness
The most common reason dizziness or lightheadedness occurs is because of a lack of blood flow to the brain. This is exactly what happens when you stand up or sit down too quickly. Most of the time it is perfectly normal; however, if you experience this frequently, you may want to get a checkup because it could be linked to a heart disorder.
Migraines
If you suffer from migraines, which are actually the most prevalent type of neurological disorder according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, then you will likely experience dizziness and lightheadedness often, as they are common symptoms.
Vertigo
People often use the word vertigo to describe dizziness, but vertigo is actually a medical condition and dizziness is one of the symptoms. Vertigo occurs when you have a problem with the inner part of your ear known as your vestibular system, which is responsible for maintaining your balance. Vertigo is usually caused by a trauma to the head, but can also be caused by a lot of other things, such as Meniere's disease, which is a buildup of fluid in the ears.
Other Causes
There are numerous other causes for dizziness and lightheadedness. Medications are a common cause, especially blood pressure medications because they can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure that results in not enough blood flowing to the brain. Psychological disorders, such as anxiety can cause dizziness and lightheadedness. When you feel dizzy or lightheaded while exercising or after a workout, it is usually nothing more than the result of pure physical exhaustion, which is another common cause.
Published by Tom Servo - Featured Contributor in Health & Wellness
I have been a professional freelance writer since 2007. I write under many pen names for a wide array of publishers. I am an excellent researcher and I like to write about any topic that interests me. In add... View profile
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