There Are Several Less Common Causes Of Dizziness And Vertigo
Pay attention to all bouts of dizziness, because along with other symptoms, they could point to something more serious. See your doctor to rule out health problems related to frequent or severe bouts of dizziness or vertigo.
Even though less than 1 percent of my patients have a life-threatening or previously unsuspected cause of dizziness such as stroke warning symptoms or a brain tumor I still take all cases of dizziness seriously, says Whitman. If you have a brain tumor, it’s usually not the only symptom you have, he says.
One very rare condition linked to vertigo is Ménières disease. If you have prolonged episodes of whirling vertigo along with hearing problems in one ear, it could be Ménières, says Whitman. He estimates that this affects only about 0.2 percent of the population, and is sometimes found in adults between the ages of 40 and 60. Though it cant be cured, it can be treated.
Lightheadedness Is A Common Anxiety Symptom
- Lightheadedness is one of the most common symptoms of anxiety.
- It is most common with panic attacks, though it can occur with other forms of anxiety as well.
- Lightheadedness is typically caused by breathing issues.
- It can also be a trigger of further anxiety, creating a cycle in those that struggle with it.
- Breathing better is the best way to provide some relief, along with walking and CBT.
Some Illnesses Cause Fatigue
Sometimes, fatigue can be the first sign that something is wrong in your body. For example, people with rheumatoid arthritis, a painful condition that affects the joints, often complain of fatigue. People with cancer may feel fatigued from the disease, treatments, or both.
Many medical problems and treatments can add to fatigue. These include:
- Taking certain medications, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, and medicines for nausea and pain
- Having medical treatments, like chemotherapy and radiation, or recovering from major surgery
- Infections
- Chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Untreated pain and diseases like fibromyalgia
- Anemia
- Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders
Managing a health problem may make the fatigue go away. Your doctor can help.
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Top 6 Most Common Causes Of Nausea And Fatigue
Nausea and fatigue are common problems, and they affect many women worldwide. These symptoms are typically harmless, and so are many of their causes. However, as nausea and fatigue are common symptoms of many ailments, they can also be indicative of serious underlying conditions, and they can also interrupt daily routine. Read on to discover some of the most common causes of nausea and fatigue.
Common Causes Of Fatigue
Many different things can also cause fatigue, but some common causes include:
- Dehydration
- Lack of sleep or rest
- Physical activity such as running a marathon or working out at the gym for long periods of time
- Pregnancy if your body is not used to the extra work
- Mental activity such as working or studying for long periods of time
Just like brain fog, fatigue can also lead to a decrease in cognitive function and make it difficult to do everyday activities.
Now that we know some of the most common causes for brain fog and fatigue, lets take a look at some tips on how you can get relief from these conditions.
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When Is Fatigue Considered Extreme
There is no good criteria for assessing the level of fatigue it depends on the person. However, most people know when their tiredness is more than a lack of sleep. Some of my patients remember the exact day they got hit with fatigue so overwhelming that they knew something was wrong.
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
POTS is a common condition affecting an estimated one to three million Americans. Researchers dont fully understand the causes of POTS, but it is more common in women than men and is more likely to develop in adolescents and young adults.
What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complicated disease for doctors to diagnose and even fully understand.
CFS is a physical condition, but it can also affect a person psychologically. This means that someone with CFS may feel physical symptoms, such as being very tired and weak , headaches, or dizziness. But the person may also notice emotional symptoms, such as a loss of interest in favorite activities.
To make it even more complicated, different people with CFS can have different symptoms. And the symptoms of CFS often are similar those of other health conditions, like mono, Lyme disease, or depression. And the symptoms can vary over time, even in the same person.
This makes treating the illness complicated because no single medicine or treatment can address all the possible symptoms.
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What Type Of Treatment Did I Get To Treat My Sepsis
While the actual treatment can be different from person to person, the basics are the same for the most part. Visit the treatment page to learn more.
Many hospitals use a treatment bundle known as SEP-1. To learn more about it, click here.
You probably received many strong drugs to fight the infection. They may have included antibiotics, anti-fungal or anti-viral drugs, depending on what caused the infection. Sometimes it is necessary for the medical team to try different drugs to find the ones that will best treat your illness, and your condition may have gone up and down as the new drugs were introduced.
Other medications may have included analgesics, , sedatives, and medications to control your blood pressure.
You may have been given a mask to wear that allowed you to breathe oxygen. If your body was unable to breathe it in effectively, the doctors may have put in a breathing tube, or intubated you, so the tube could be hooked up to a machine that would push air and oxygen into your lungs.
If someone is to be on a ventilator for a while, doctors may give a trachostomy, which is a small hole in the base of the throat that allows the breathing tube to go directly into the trachea, or breathing tube.
Different machines may have helped your bodys functions until you were well enough to do these for yourself. These may have included a dialysis machine for your kidneys, a ventilator to help you breath, or a life support machine.
How Long Does Someone With Sepsis Stay In An Icu
The length of time you have to stay in the ICU depends on how ill you are and the type of help you need. You will only be discharged from the ICU when you no longer need the special drugs and machines to support your body and when you are strong enough to cope on a general unit. It can take weeks of treatment in the hospital overall. Some people go to a rehabilitation facility before going home. You may find that once you are home, it may take several months to feel strong and well again.
Sepsis Alliance Connect is a virtual support community designed for the millions of people affected by sepsis. to learn more or to sign up.
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What Dizziness With Other Symptoms Could Mean
When dizziness is accompanied by additional symptoms, it could indicate the following serious health problems, and you should get to an ER as soon as you can:
Stroke
Dizziness plus confusion, vision problems, a severe headache, trouble walking and weakness on one side of the body could mean youre having a stroke. Since blood flow to the brain is slowed or cut off during a stroke, the faster help arrives, the better chance a patient has at survival.
Heart Attack
Feeling lightheaded, weak and short of breath could be signs of a heart attack. You may also feel pain in one or more of the following areas:
- Your chest
- Your jaw, neck or backespecially for women
- Your shoulders or arms
Unexplained fatigue, a cold sweat, nausea and vomiting are other clues. Dizziness happens more frequently for women having a heart attack than for men.
Traumatic brain injury
If you experience dizziness following a blow or jolt to your head or bodyespecially if it comes with weakness, a worsening headache, vomiting, behavioral changes, slurred speech or seizureseek medical help immediately. It may be a TBI.
Remember: while the majority of dizzy spells are nothing to worry about, knowing when they really do mean something can save your lifeor the life of someone you love. So, call 911 right away if you suspect a stroke, heart attack, TBI or other emergency situation.
Are your dizziness symptoms emergent? Find a Parkridge ER near you.
What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
There’s a long list of possible symptoms that someone with chronic fatigue syndrome can have. The most common ones include:
- severe fatigue, which can make it hard to get out of bed and do normal daily activities
- sleep problems, such as trouble falling or staying asleep, or not having a refreshing sleep
- symptoms getting worse after physical or mental effort
- symptoms or dizziness that get worse after standing up or sitting upright from a lying down position
- problems with concentration and memory
- headaches and stomachaches
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What Else Should I Know
- Strong emotions can be a part of the illness, so it’s important to recognize and express your feelings. Feelings like sadness, anger, and frustration are completely normal and it’s important to acknowledge how you feel and recognize that it’s not your fault. Recognizing emotions can help you figure out what’s behind your feelings and help you manage problems.
- It can help to keep a daily diary of feelings and energy highs and lows. This also can let you share information that might help your doctor. You can also track trends for example, if your energy is high at one time of day and low at another that will help you figure out when to exercise or do other activities.
- Give yourself more time to do things, especially activities that take concentration or physical exertion.
- Get support from family, teachers, and friends.
- Get information about CFS from reliable sources. There’s a lot of misinformation and confusion about this disease. So it’s important to know and trust your sources.
Most important, don’t give up. Having chronic fatigue syndrome can be hard. But for most people, the symptoms are most severe in the beginning. Later, they may come and go. Teens with CFS generally get better faster and recover more completely than adults do. Most teens get partial or full recovery within 5 years after symptoms began.
What May Cause Headache And Fatigue
Fatigue and headache are shared symptoms of many conditions. Not all of these conditions are considered serious. However, some may require lifestyle changes or ongoing treatment.
As you consider the reasons why you may be experiencing headache and fatigue, make sure to think about your lifestyle, including your sleeping patterns, diet, and any medications youre currently taking.
Here are 16 conditions and other factors that could cause both headache and fatigue:
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Dizzy Spells May Be Caused By An Inner Ear Problem
One of the most surprising causes of dizziness is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV, says Gregory Whitman, MD, an ear and brain specialist with the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Balance and Vestibular Center at Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital in Massachusetts. Your inner ear contains calcium and protein-based sensing crystals called otoconia, says Dr. Whitman. If these crystals are dislodged and float into your inner ears canals, you may have a brief spinning sensation. Its a simple mechanical problem that can and should be corrected with physical therapy, and not with medication or surgery, says Whitman.
Though BPPV is the most common inner earrelated balance disorder, it affects only about 1 out of 1,000 people per year, according to the Vestibular Disorders Association . And while it can affect adults of any age, this type of vertigo primarily affects older adults. Most cases occur for no apparent reason, but BPPV has been linked to trauma, migraines, inner ear infections, diabetes, and osteoporosis. After treatment, 50 percent of patients may experience the problem again within five years especially if it was the result of trauma, say experts at VEDA.
How Can I Feel Less Tired
Some changes to your lifestyle can make you feel less tired. Here are some suggestions:
- Keep a fatigue diary to help you find patterns throughout the day when you feel more or less tired.
- Exercise regularly. Almost anyone, at any age, can do some type of physical activity. If you have concerns about starting an exercise program, ask your doctor if there are any activities you should avoid. Moderate exercise may improve your appetite, energy, and outlook. Some people find that exercises combining balance and breathing improve their energy.
- Try to avoid long naps late in the day. Long naps can leave you feeling groggy and may make it harder to fall asleep at night. Read A Good Nights Sleep for tips on getting better rest at night.
- Stop smoking.Smoking is linked to many diseases and disorders, such as cancer, heart disease, and breathing problems, which can drain your energy.
- Ask for help if you feel swamped. Some people have so much to do that just thinking about their schedules can make them feel tired. Working with others may help a job go faster and be more fun.
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What Causes Dizziness & Weakness
Dizziness occurs when blood is not getting to the brain quickly enough or if there is not enough oxygen in your blood. Common causes of dizziness include low blood sugar, changes in altitude, heart failure, dehydration, and certain medications. While weakness can be due to injury or inflammation, the combination of dizziness and weakness may be a more serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. Sudden, one-sided weakness with or without dizziness is a symptom of stroke or transient ischemic attack . Gradual weakness could be a symptom of nerve damage or neurological disease such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinsons disease. Other causes of weakness and dizziness may include thyroid conditions, migraine, alcohol or drug use, panic attack, and infection of the brain or spinal cord.
Dizziness Fatigue Hot Flashes And Lightheadedness
- Medical Author: Sabrina Felson, MD
Last Editorial Review: 6/15/2020
Your symptoms match a wide variety of different medical conditions, including a reaction to a medication. Another possibility is feelings of anxiety. Call your doctor if you don’t get better after a day or two. In some instances, these symptoms can point to something more serious like an abnormal heart thythm. If these symptoms concern you, it’s best to give your doctor a call right away.
While the list below can be considered as a guide to educate yourself about these conditions, this is not a substitute for a diagnosis from a health care provider. There are many other medical conditions that also can be associated with your symptoms and signs. Here are a number of those from MedicineNet:
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Is It Possible That I Have Pots And Was Incorrectly Diagnosed
This is entirely possible. Given how common POTS symptoms are and how unfamiliar many doctors are with this condition, diagnostic mishaps happen. POTS is frequently misidentified as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, anxiety disorder, ADHD, irritable bowel syndrome, myositis, etc. It is also possible that you have both POTS and one of these conditions, which may complicate the diagnosis. Sometimes people with POTS are told that its all in your head, implying that the cause of their symptoms is psychological. If you feel like something is physically wrong, dont hesitate to seek a second, and even a third or fourth opinion.
COVID-19 and POTS: Is There a Link?
Although many people recover quickly from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, others who recover may continue to experience symptoms for months. Researchers are still determining the cause of these extended symptoms, but some COVID-19 “long-haulers” may actually be dealing with POTS.
When To Seek Immediate Help For A Dizzy Spell
While isolated instances of minor dizziness are not usually cause for alarm, go to the emergency room if your dizzy spells are accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms.
Dizziness paired with one or more of the following? Go to the ER.
- A new or severe headache
- A stiff neck
- Vision problems, including double vision
- Weakness in one arm or one leg
For some people, vertigo without additional symptoms can indicate a big-time issue if theyre unable to regain your balance or the room keeps spinning. Seek immediate medical help at the ER if youve had vertigo for several minutes and:
- Youve previously had a stroke
- Youre at high risk for having a stroke
- Youre age 55 or older
Someone with severe dizziness who suspects a medical emergency shouldnt drive. In these situations, its best to call 911.
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Profound Fatigue Cold Sweats Dizziness May Signal Heart Attack
Profound fatigue, cold sweats, dizziness may signal a heart attack.
Women’s Heart Health
Detrow was having a heart attack that November day in 2009, but she didn’t know it.
For more on heart health, watch “A Barbara Walters Special: A Matter of Life and Death” tomorrow at 10 p.m. ET on ABC!
As it turns out, neither did the emergency room doctors at a nearby hospital. Upon seeing that she was an avid exerciser with no heart problems, they diagnosed a panic attack and sent her off with anti-anxiety pills and medication to lower her blood pressure, which had increased that day.
“Because I was somebody who did not have a history of heart disease, I believed them, because I didn’t know any different,” Detrow told ABCNews.com. “I was aware of the heart attack symptoms with the crushing chest pain where you clutch yourself and fall over: the classic male symptoms.”
Detrow, 58, is a poster girl for a campaign launched this week to raise women’s awareness that atypical symptoms, such as profound fatigue, unfamiliar dizziness, cold sweats and unexplained nausea or vomiting, can signal that part of their heart muscle is dying, and they could die, too.
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women. An American woman suffers a heart attack every minute. Yet after years of public education programs, the message hasn’t penetrated.
“My husband has been on blood pressure medications for umpteen years. When everyone heard about my heart attack, they asked ‘why you and not him?'”
