Most Common Causes of Dizziness that Everyone Should Be Aware Of

Dizzy spells are annoying and uncomfortable at best and life-threatening at worst. But how do you know if what you have just needs rest and proper hydration or if it warrants prompt medical attention?

Below, we’ll discuss a few of the common causes of dizziness that you should pay attention to along with some of their other symptoms to help you know the difference.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a disruption in the function of the brain due to a jolt, blow, or bump to the head.

Dizziness that is accompanied by confusion, blurry vision, nausea and vomiting, headache, drowsiness, and/or fatigue is a hallmark of TBI. These can lead to movement problems even when there is no loss of function in the lower extremity.

In severe cases, TBI can lead to serious physical and psychological problems, coma, and even death. Timely diagnosis and treatment are therefore crucial.

Stroke

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to your brain gets cut off. Like TBI, a stroke can be a fatal condition.

Dizziness that is severe and persistent and accompanied by slurred speech; trouble walking; vision problems; and numbness in your face, arm, or leg is a warning sign of stroke. Early intervention is crucial for preventing brain damage and death.

Migraine

Considered the sixth most disabling disease in the United States, migraine is characterized by recurring throbbing or pulsating pain in one side of the head.

Of the millions suffering from migraines, up to 50 percent experience dizziness during their episodes. Some people with migraine experience dizziness (vertigo) as a “to-and-fro sensation” – which can occur before the onset of their episodes. Dizziness is often accompanied by motion sensitivity; loss of balance; sensitivity to light, smell, or noise; neck pain; and vision problems.

Multiple Sclerosis 

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disorder that attacks the protective sheath of the nerve fibers in the central nervous system and compromises the transmission of signals between your brain and the rest of your body.

Dizziness associated with MS occurs due to lesions around the part of the brain that controls balance. It is often severe and can persist for up to several days.

Other symptoms of MS include pain in the arms and legs, spasticity (muscle stiffness), gait problems, and vision problems.

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive condition caused by the degeneration of nerve cells in the area of the brain responsible for muscle movements (substantia nigra).

Tremors and mobility issues are the characteristic symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. However, patients may also experience dizziness and hypotension. These are ascribed to the inability of the nervous system to make or release enough norepinephrine – a hormone and neurotransmitter responsible for promoting vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) and regulating blood pressure.

Dizziness Treatment near Me in Farmington Hills, Novi, Southfield, Howell, or Brighton, MI

If you’re looking for a reliable neurologic care provider in Southeast Michigan to help you pinpoint the cause of your dizzy spells, see one of our board-certified neurologists here at Associates in Neurology. We will carry out a thorough evaluation to get to the bottom of your problem and develop a comprehensive treatment plan to keep it from “throwing you out of kilter.”

To arrange a consultation with one of our neurologists, call us today at (248) 478-5512 or use our convenient appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!