Would you go to a doctor if you felt dizzy? Dizziness doesn’t always seem like a big deal, but those who experience it regularly know it can have a real effect on your life. Learn what to do if you feel dizzy so you can stay safe and get the help you need.
What to Do If You Feel Dizzy
Have you ever ridden a ferris wheel, or another carnival ride? Odds are when you hopped off you felt a little lightheaded, and maybe a little wobbly on your feet. Getting dizzy isn’t scary when you’re on a ride, because it’s a part of the fun. Getting dizzy unexpectedly, however, is a different story.
Unexpected dizziness can be disorienting and frightening. After all, dizziness can be a sign of strokes and other medical issues. If you’re concerned about dizziness, you should know that dizziness is more common that you might think, and many people with dizziness have conditions that are minor and treatable. In fact, up to 40 percent of adults end up seeing a doctor to discuss dizziness at some point.
In other words, dizziness isn’t necessarily the end of the world, but it’s still something you should take seriously. Dizziness can have many causes, and some of them are serious enough that they require medical intervention:
- Circulation issues. Some people become dizzy when they sit or stand too quickly. This is usually caused by a drop in blood pressure. Dizziness can also be a side effect of a cardiac event like a heart attack or a stroke, though it will typically be accompanied by other symptoms.
- Inner ear issues. The inner ear system is responsible for your body’s sense of balance. When something interferes with the inner ear, dizziness can be the result. Something as simple as an ear infection can result in pronounced dizziness as a side effect.
- Nutritional issues. Dizziness can sometimes be a side effect of hunger, or a nutritional deficiency in the body. Anemia and issues with blood sugar are both common causes of dizziness.
- Medication side effects. Tranquilizers, antidepressants, sleep aids, and many other common medications can cause dizziness. If you have recently started a medication and are experiencing dizziness, be sure to talk to the prescribing physician about managing side effects.
Since dizziness is very common, it’s a good idea to have a plan for what to do if you feel dizzy. So, if you experience dizziness, what should you do?
Sit Down and Recover
When you know that dizziness can be a sign of a larger health problem, it can make you anxious when it occurs. However, the biggest threat to your health when you’re dizzy isn’t a medical issue. It’s the threat of falling, which is the most common way that people get injured due to dizziness. Because of this, your first action should be to stabilize yourself. Sit down and take some deep breaths, and wait for the dizziness to subside. If it’s available, drinking some cold water will also help you feel better.
Do You Need Medical Attention?
As mentioned above, dizziness is often benign, or at least a symptom of a relatively minor medical condition. However, there are times when dizziness is a sign of a medical emergency. Dizziness combined with these symptoms is something that requires immediate medical attention:
- Chest pains
- Severe headaches
- A head injury or other bodily trauma
- Muscle weakness or unexplained numbness
- Changes in vision or hearing
If your dizziness is accompanied by any of these symptoms, you may be having a medical emergency. You should immediately go to the nearest emergency room for treatment. If you cannot transport yourself safely, call 911.
Get More Information
Once you’ve recovered from your dizziness, it’s time to take an inventory. Has it happened before? Was it severe? Are you able to explain the source? A one-time bout of temporary dizziness is probably nothing to be concerned about. However, if it happens repeatedly, it’s a good idea to talk to a specialist. They’ll be able to help you identify the cause and seek appropriate treatment.
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Do you have a plan for what to do if you feel dizzy? If you still aren’t sure what to do about dizziness, call our specialists for a free consultation.
Looking for help with dizziness and balance issues? Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating migraine issues, including vestibular migraines, head pain, and ongoing dizziness. To learn more about our approach, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.