What is lightheadedness?

Feeling woozy, lightheaded, or a little faint is a common symptom in adults. Light-headedness is a feeling of faintness, dizziness, or being close to passing out. However, light-headedness is not the same as dizziness. Dizziness is accompanied by vertigo, which affects balance and makes a person feel as though they or their surroundings are spinning. Dizziness is a common symptom thatעs not usually a sign of anything serious, but should be investigated by the physician. Common causes of dizziness may include medication side effects, disorders of inner ear, stroke, Meniere’s disease etc.

Causes

Following are the most common causes of light-headedness-

• Dehydration: With the intake of less water, the blood volume decreases causing a reduction in blood pressure. The brain’s blood supply is compromised in this case and the person feels light-headedness.
• Drug side effects: Drugs like diuretics which facilitate the excretion of urine from the body, reduces the blood volume and pressure eventually leading to the feeling of lightheadedness.
• Orthostatic hypotension: Orthostatic hypotension is a physical finding defined as a systolic blood pressure decrease of at least 20 mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure decrease of at least 10 mm Hg within three minutes of standing. Hence, this sudden drop in blood pressure can cause dizziness.
• Low blood sugar: Drop in blood sugar levels can make the person feel lightheaded.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of the causes leading to lightheadedness may be difficult as the symptoms presented by the patient may be nonspecific and the differential diagnosis varies. A few simple questions and physical examination of the patient might help the physician to reach a suitable diagnosis.

General management

The treatment of lightheadedness depends on the cause and risk factors. Measures like adequate intake of water, maintaining blood sugar levels, maintaining electrolyte balance and lying down or sitting to reduce the elevation of the head relative to the body, can help in alleviating lightheadedness.

Warning: Above information provided is an overview of the disease, we strongly recommend a doctor’s consultation to prevent further advancement of disease and/or development of complications.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein on request, is not to be taken as a replacement for medical advice or diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. DO NOT SELF MEDICATE. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN FOR PROPER DIAGNOSIS AND PRESCRIPTION.