What causes dizziness and how can it be treated?
November 5, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Louis Ackermann
Dear neurologist,
My name is Wilhelm Peters and I have been suffering from dizziness for some time now. It occurs in different situations, both when I stand up and when I turn my head. The dizziness feels like everything around me is spinning, and I often feel like I am losing control of my body. This significantly affects my daily life, as I constantly feel insecure and disoriented.
I am worried that the dizziness could be a sign of a serious neurological condition and I am wondering what the cause could be. I have already made an appointment with my primary care physician, but I would like to learn more about it in advance to be better informed.
Could you please explain to me what possible causes of dizziness could be and how it can be treated? Are there any specific measures I can take to alleviate the dizziness myself? I would greatly appreciate your expert assessment and advice so that I can better cope with my situation.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Wilhelm Peters
Dear Mr. Peters,
Thank you for your message and for trusting in my expertise as a neurologist. I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing dizziness and that it is affecting your daily life. Dizziness can indeed be very distressing and have various causes. However, it is important to know that dizziness is a common symptom and does not always indicate a serious neurological condition.
There are various causes of dizziness, ranging from inner ear problems to circulatory disorders to neurological conditions. One of the most common reasons for dizziness is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which is triggered by certain head movements. Inflammation of the inner ear (labyrinthitis), migraines, blood pressure fluctuations, or side effects of medications can also cause dizziness.
To determine the exact cause of your dizziness, a thorough examination by your primary care physician and possibly a neurologist is necessary. This usually involves taking a medical history, performing a physical examination, and possibly ordering further diagnostic measures such as a hearing test, blood work, or imaging.
The treatment of dizziness depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, physiotherapy to stabilize balance may be helpful. Medications can be used in some cases to relieve dizziness, especially in cases of migraine-associated dizziness or BPPV. However, it is important that the treatment is tailored to your specific situation.
There are also steps you can take to alleviate dizziness yourself. These include getting enough sleep, managing stress, engaging in regular physical exercise, and maintaining a healthy diet. Avoid abrupt head movements and sit up slowly to prevent episodes of dizziness. If you feel dizzy, lie down and rest.
I strongly recommend that you keep your appointment with your primary care physician and undergo a thorough examination. Your doctor will be able to provide you with the best treatment recommendation to alleviate your dizziness and improve your quality of life.
I hope that my information has been helpful to you. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any further questions.
Sincerely,
Louis Ackermann
