Discomfort in daily life caused by dizziness
Conditions where dizziness is a prominent symptom
Some people experience sudden dizziness, which can cause discomfort in their daily lives. Dizziness may seem trivial, but if not treated promptly, it can lead to difficulties such as nausea and vomiting. Today, let’s explore the conditions where dizziness is a prominent symptom and their solutions.
Most cases of dizziness are related to ear problems. One of the most common conditions is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). BPPV occurs when tiny stones inside the inner ear’s balance canals become dislodged and move around, disrupting the body’s balance system. If you experience dizziness for about 30 seconds to 1 minute when lying down after sitting or rolling over while lying down, it may be BPPV. You can quickly treat BPPV with simple physical therapy or canalith repositioning maneuvers. However, it tends to recur, so it’s essential to be cautious about sudden head or body movements and avoid activities that could impact your head. Experts also recommend improving lifestyle habits, like avoiding high-sodium diets.
Vestibular neuritis is a condition where inflammation occurs in the vestibular nerve, which is responsible for maintaining balance in the body. Unlike BPPV, dizziness due to vestibular neuritis doesn’t stop within a few minutes. It can last for several hours to days. Vestibular neuritis can improve with active medication treatment during the acute phase.
Suppose you experience rotational dizziness that feels like the surroundings are spinning. Along with symptoms such as hearing loss, fullness in the ear, or tinnitus (ringing in the ear). In that case, you may suspect Meniere’s disease. Abnormal accumulation of inner ear fluid causes Meniere’s disease, which affects hearing and balance functions. Dizziness due to Meniere’s disease can last from 20 minutes to over a day and may take up to three days to recover. Treatment options for Meniere’s disease typically include medications such as diuretics or betahistine and lifestyle modifications. Maintaining a low-salt diet, controlling fluid intake, and getting adequate sleep while managing Meniere’s disease is crucial. Additionally, doctors advise avoiding stress, alcohol, and caffeine during treatment.
If you experience severe dizziness when you suddenly stand up or change positions from sitting to standing, it could be due to orthostatic hypotension. Orthostatic hypotension occurs when blood pressure drops momentarily when you stand up—eventually leading to decreased blood flow to the brain and causing dizziness. Individuals aged 60 and older are more commonly affected by this condition. Maintaining a regular diet with enough minerals and vitamins and drinking 2 to 2.5 liters of water daily can improve orthostatic hypotension. Wearing compression stockings on the legs and elevating the head while sleeping can help alleviate symptoms, especially in severe cases.
Although rare, some people experience dizziness from brain disorders such as strokes, hemorrhages, or tumors. This type of dizziness, caused by central nervous system abnormalities, is known as “central dizziness.” In addition to dizziness, individuals with significant dizziness may experience severe headaches and reduced hearing and speech difficulties. They may also have an unsteady gait or unnatural movements. In such cases, it is essential to consult a neurologist and undergo thorough diagnostic tests.
In conclusion, sudden dizziness should not be ignored as it can be a symptom of various underlying conditions, some of which may require immediate medical attention. If you experience persistent or severe dizziness, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation and treatment to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate care.
By. Han So Won (qllk338r@wikitree.co.kr)
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