What Are the Causes of Severe Dizziness?
Dizziness is the sensation of feeling lightheaded, which can cause an inability to balance oneself and feeling disoriented. Bouts of dizziness can be caused by many different underlying factors; sometimes it occurs once and then goes away, but certain conditions can cause dizziness to occur more frequently.
-
Blood Pressure
-
The primary cause of dizziness is an inadequate amount of blood reaching the brain. When the brain is not supplied blood, it does not get oxygen, which inhibits its ability to function. Conditions that affect blood pressure and limit pressure of blood to the brain can cause dizziness. A common time to experience dizziness is after standing up from a seated or especially prone position. Suddenly standing momentarily reduces the amount of blood the brain receives, resulting in a faint feeling.
Sight
-
Eyesight is vital to help a person gain her baring and balance herself. If eyesight is inhibited, it can cause dizziness and a loss of balance, especially if you are standing upright. Shutting the eyes while standing can result in disorientation and poor balance, so it is a good idea not to do so unless you have a sturdy object nearby to support yourself. If your eyesight becomes impaired, it is a good idea to sit down until you can remedy the problem.
-
Nourishment and Illness
-
Being improperly nourished or coming down with an illness can cause dizziness. Malnutrition decreases the body's ability to function, which can hamper its ability to deliver blood and oxygen effectively. Also, a lack of calories will result in weakness, which can further exacerbate faint feelings. Illnesses that lead to vomiting and diarrhea can also deprive the body of nutrients, which can lead to dizziness. Fevers can also make you feel dizzy.
Vertigo
-
The body's sense of balance is controlled by small fluid-filled organs in the inner ear. Vertigo is a common condition where the function of the balancing organs is impaired, which results in dizziness and loss of balance. It is common for people with vertigo to feel a sensation of spinning. Vertigo itself has several causes such as inflammation of the ears, rapid changes of direction and pressure, such as riding a theme park ride, and severe migraine headaches.
Circulatory Problems
-
Problems with the circulatory system and heart can also cause lightheadedness and dizziness. Peripheral artery disease and coronary artery disease can lead to dizziness. Severe complications of heart disease, such as heart attack and stroke, may also cause dizziness. Physical exertion and other events that cause hyperventilation can also cause dizziness and fainting.
-
