Dizzy Spells Causes

Almost each one of us has suffered from dizzy spells or dizziness at some point of our life. In fact dizzy spells are the second most common complaints, after backache. However, we need to be very clear about what we feel while experiencing dizziness, as that would make it easier for the doctor to recognize the dizzy spells causes and treat them. For some, dizziness is equivalent to feeling lightheaded, whereas others say that when they feel dizzy the world seems to spin around them. The latter condition is more specifically termed as vertigo, specially if it is accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Let us take a look at some of the common causes that leads to dizziness and dizzy spells.

What are the Common Dizzy Spells Causes?
Although most common among older people, dizzy spells can occur in individuals of any age. So common is its occurrence that most people want to know what are dizzy spells caused by. The common causes of dizziness are given below:

Insufficient Supply of Glucose to Brain
Many people complain of experiencing dizziness after eating. This is due to an increase in the level of insulin in blood. Immediately after having a meal or a sweet drink, the level of blood sugar in our body rises. This is followed by a boost in the amount of insulin that causes a drop in the amount of sugar in our blood. Lack of fuel (sugar) to the brain causes dizzy spells. A more serious cause of abnormally high levels of insulin in blood is the release of this substance in short bursts from an abnormal tissues in the pancreas. This results in feelings of disorientation, which manifests itself in dizzy spells.

Insufficient Supply of Oxygen to Brain
Dizziness is also caused when adequate amount of oxygen does not reach the brain or the oxygen supply is temporarily cut off from the brain. This can happen in various ways:

• In case of respiratory failure where lungs don't function properly, the brain does not get enough amount of oxygen. When the brain tissues do not get enough amount of oxygen, a person feels dizzy. Respiratory failure commonly occurs in case of chronic obstructive airways disease, collapsed lung, lungs full of fluid and also cancer.
• When a person suffers from carbon monoxide poisoning, hemoglobin (the pigment in blood that carries oxygen) forms a compound with carbon monoxide that is so stable that oxygen can't displace carbon monoxide from hemoglobin. As a result, there isn't enough hemoglobin in blood to carry oxygen to the brain.
• During hyperventilation, the rate of respiration increases drastically. Due to this there are changes in the acidity levels in blood in such a way that oxygen sticks to hemoglobin and can't be released to the tissues.

Insufficient Supply of Blood to Brain
Dizzy spells are caused by a drop in the blood pressure due to which there isn't enough blood reaching the brain. This is most commonly felt when a person gets up from a sitting or lying position. Dizzy spells experienced after a person stands up suddenly can be caused due to fall in the blood pressure levels. Such a condition is known as orthostatic hypotension. Sometimes, medications that are taken to control high blood pressure can also cause sudden dizzy spells.

Loss of Blood
Usually, dizzy spells does not indicate any serious health problems. However, sometimes some serious conditions may lead to a feeling of dizziness. One of such conditions is bleeding. Internal bleeding that otherwise is not obvious is what raises concerns. Internal bleeding in the digestive tract can occur and continue for days until the first symptoms - dizziness and fatigue are seen. Even heavy menstrual bleeding is what causes dizzy spells in women.

Problems of the Inner Ear
Viral infection of the inner ear which is an important organ for maintaining balance can be one of the dizzy spells causes. For example, in labyrinthitis the inner ear gets inflamed which leads to balance disorders. Another problem of the inner ear that may cause dizziness is the Meniere's disease which is characterized by episodes of dizziness, ringing in the ears and progressive loss of hearing.

Dizzy spells may be associated with conditions like:

• Cold and flu
• Certain allergies
• Anxiety and stress
• Vomiting, diarrhea, fever or any illness that causes dehydration
• Use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs
• Sinus infection
• Eye problems like cataract and/or weakening of the eye muscles
• Motion sickness
• Hyperventilation

Suggestions for Dizziness
To avoid dizzy spells, one should refrain from getting out of bed with a jerk. Always rise slowly and sit for sometime in bed so that your blood pressure normalizes. In case you feel sudden dizziness, sit down immediately. This will ensure that you do not suffer further injury. Also, people who are prone to experiencing dizzy spells must avoid caffeine, iced tea, diet drinks, aerated drinks, tobacco and alcohol. In most cases, dizziness is caused due to insufficient water intake. So it is very important that you keep yourself hydrated by drinking sufficient amount of water. If you experience dizziness, the best way to combat it is to take long deep breaths as this helps in relaxing the body.

It's true that in most cases dizzy spells causes are not of serious nature. However, if such episodes become frequent, doctor's advice should be sought. Also a healthy lifestyle and control over one's stress levels can ensure that one does not suffer from recurring episodes of dizzy spells.