Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are Dizzy Spells?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Dizzy spells are episodes of feeling lightheaded or faint. An individual who has a dizzy spell may feel as if he is close to fainting or feel an overwhelming weakness. Some people also feel confused or nauseated when they have dizzy spells; some even vomit. During a spell, a person may have the sensation that the room is spinning or have difficulty talking, concentrating, walking, or performing ordinary tasks. These spells may be caused by a wide range of issues, including blood pressure changes, heart problems, stroke, tumors, and migraines; even medications and acute infections may cause them.

Though dizzy spells are common, they can be difficult to describe. This is because they can include a wide range of symptoms. For example, one person may describe a dizzy spell as a feeling of lightheadedness, while another may say he feels as if the room is spinning. Some people may describe the spells as a feeling of being overly warm while also dealing with overwhelming weakness. An individual may shake or tremble when he’s feeling dizzy, or may feel nauseated; the individual’s nausea may sometimes progress to vomiting as well.

Resting may help relieve feelings of dizziness.
Resting may help relieve feelings of dizziness.

Numerous illnesses and conditions are associated with dizziness, and it can be difficult for a doctor to provide an accurate diagnosis if it is a patient’s only symptom. Among the issues that may cause a dizzy spell are infections, low blood sugar, dehydration, and inadequate oxygen intake. Anemia, internal bleeding, and even panic disorder may cause dizziness as well. Additionally, a person may have episodes of dizziness because of a heart condition, stroke, tumor, or migraine.

Though dizzy spells are common, they can be difficult to describe.
Though dizzy spells are common, they can be difficult to describe.

Age-related changes and illnesses may contribute to episodes of dizziness in some cases. For example, an age-related reduced tolerance for physical exertion may cause dizziness. Age-related circulatory problems and hardened arteries may also lead to episodes of dizziness. Additionally, nerve dysfunction that is related to other age-related conditions may cause or contribute to dizzy spells.

People who are fighting a cold are more prone to dizzy spells.
People who are fighting a cold are more prone to dizzy spells.

Since dizzy spells can develop as a sign of a life-threatening condition, health experts often advise patients to seek medical attention after an initial, unexplained dizzy spell. If a person has a history of dizzy episodes, but they get worse, he may do well to seek a doctor’s evaluation as well. Likewise, dizziness that occurs after a person starts taking a new medication or in conjunction with chest or arm pain warrants medical attention. If an individual has trouble walking or standing after an episode, this is also an indication of a serious condition that requires medical evaluation.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

literally45

@turquoise-- Anxiety and panic can lead to dizzy spells. I'm guessing that your friend experiences them due to panic in response to blood. It happens to many people. When we're in fear, panic and anxiety, our body releases certain hormones to protect us which can lead to different protective mechanisms including fainting.

Medications used to treat these disorders often lead to dizzy spells as well. I have an anxiety disorder. My anxiety doesn't make me dizzy but my anti-anxiety medication sometimes does. It's mentioned in the list of side effects. Even some antibiotics cause dizzy spells and vertigo.

turquoise

Why do some people have dizzy spells symptoms when they're stressed or scared?

I have a friend who gets dizzy and light-headed whenever she sees blood.

ysmina
I have sudden dizzy spells because of diabetes. I don't usually feel that the room is spinning, but I feel light-headed and extremely tired. I have trouble standing up. I just want to lay down somewhere and sleep.

I get dizzy when my blood sugar is too low and too high. I get all of these symptoms plus nausea when my blood sugar is high. When it's low, I have more exhaustion and confusion.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Resting may help relieve feelings of dizziness.
      By: lightwavemedia
      Resting may help relieve feelings of dizziness.
    • Though dizzy spells are common, they can be difficult to describe.
      By: Doreen Salcher
      Though dizzy spells are common, they can be difficult to describe.
    • People who are fighting a cold are more prone to dizzy spells.
      By: jinga80
      People who are fighting a cold are more prone to dizzy spells.
    • Dizzy spells might cause a person to faint.
      By: Ambrose
      Dizzy spells might cause a person to faint.
    • Dizzy spells may occur while intoxicated.
      By: William Casey
      Dizzy spells may occur while intoxicated.
    • A migraine headache may be accompanied by dizziness.
      By: MediablitzImages
      A migraine headache may be accompanied by dizziness.