Dizziness is having a feeling of fainting, unsteadiness, lightheadedness, and as if the surrounding is spinning. Certain body parts (such as the inner ear, eyes, and brain) work together to keep balance. But if one sends the wrong signal to the system, the body may feel dizzy. Dizziness is not an illness itself. Instead, it can be an indication of other underlying diseases.
Many people experience dizziness, and it’s not something to worry about or life-threatening if it occurs occasionally. However, it can signify something serious if a person experiences repeated episodes for a more extended period for no apparent reason. Therefore, it’s vital to find out what causes recurring dizziness, as it can interfere with everyday life.
Treatments for dizziness will depend on the symptoms and causes. The majority of the available ones are effective, but the condition may still recur at some point. Doctors often assess an individual’s overall health to find out the cause and how to treat it better. From physical changes to serious medical problems, many factors trigger dizziness.
Below are some causes of dizziness.
Vertigo
People with vertigo experience an artificial sensation wherein they feel like their surrounding is spinning. It is primarily due to inner ear problems, which impact the body’s ability to balance. The condition causes the brain to receive signals from the inner ear inconsistent with what the sensory nerves and eyes receive. In turn, the brain sorts out the confusion.
One of the significant causes of vertigo is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). It develops when the inner ear canals accumulate too many calcium carbonate particles. These canals work by sending information to the brain about the position and movement of the body. However, the brain reads the information wrong with the presence of calcium carbonate particles.
Ménière’s disease is another cause of vertigo. It is a problem in the inner ear with no known cause. But scientists believe it occurs when too much fluid is stored in the ear canals. People with Ménière’s disease also experience roaring or ringing sounds in the ears. In some cases, it can lead to hearing loss.
Vertigo may also be due to infection, such as labyrinthitis. This condition often develops after a viral infection (flu or cold). Labyrinthitis can result in permanent damage to the inner ear.