Dizziness

"Feeling dizzy" means different things to different people. Broadly, these experiences can be grouped as follows.

The Korean term for dizziness encompasses all of these experiences, so it does not map directly onto a single medical term. The International Classification of Vestibular Disorders distinguishes between vertigo, a false sensation of movement; dizziness, a disturbance in spatial orientation; and unsteadiness, difficulty maintaining balance.

Our bodies use several kinds of sensory information together to maintain balance.

• The vestibular apparatus in the inner ear detects the head’s movements and tilt.
• The eyes take in the surroundings to determine the body’s position.
• Muscles and joints relay information about the soles of the feet and the body’s posture.
• Blood circulation steadily supplies the brain with oxygen and nutrients.

The brain combines this information to determine "where I am and what position I am standing in right now." If even one of these inputs differs from usual, dizziness can occur. For example, standing up suddenly from sitting can cause blood to pool temporarily in the lower body, reducing blood flow to the brain and making you feel faint (see orthostatic hypotension and orthostatic intolerance). Problems with the balance organs in the inner ear can also cause a spinning sensation, and one explanation suggests that tension around the neck can affect the sense of balance (see cervicogenic dizziness).

Dizziness also commonly occurs when you have not had enough sleep, have skipped a meal, have not drunk enough water, are tense, or have spent a long time in a hot environment.

This varies depending on the cause and circumstances. Feeling faint when changing position usually settles within a few seconds to a few minutes. Dizziness associated with fatigue or feeling run-down often improves with rest, food, and fluids. A spinning sensation may occur briefly only when you move your head, or it may last for a while. Remembering when it happens, what position you are in, and how long it lasts can make it easier to explain and manage the situation.

• Sit or lie down first. When you feel dizzy, do not try to stay on your feet. Sit or lie down somewhere safe and rest for a moment. Preventing a fall and injury is the most important thing.
• Look at one spot. Looking steadily at a stationary object rather than something moving can help the information from your eyes and ears align.
• Stand up slowly. When getting up from lying down, sit up first, pause for a moment, and then stand slowly. Moving your ankles up and down a few times before standing can help blood circulate upward.
• Drink water and eat regularly. If you have sweated a lot or have an empty stomach, replenish fluids and nutrients with water and a light snack or meal.
• Avoid sudden head movements. When you have a spinning sensation, take care not to turn your head suddenly or tilt it backward.
• Get enough sleep. Dizziness can become more frequent when you do not get enough sleep.

If any of the following signs occur along with dizziness, it is best to get checked at a hospital without delay.

• Your speech suddenly becomes slurred, or an arm and leg on one side become weak.
• You also have a severe headache unlike any you have experienced before.
• You have chest pain, or you are short of breath and your heart beats irregularly.
• You have lost consciousness or collapsed.
• You suddenly have trouble hearing in one ear, or you have double vision.
• The dizziness has continued for several days or is getting progressively worse.