The type of dizziness called instability may have multiple causes and is often due to neurological disease. Poor vision, peripheral neuropathy and cerebrovascular disease are common findings with this condition. Alcohol and a variety of medications, including pain relievers, tranquilizers, antidepressants and other drugs, may play a contributing role. Normal aging changes in posture and nerve function, combined with disease or medication, can also cause instability.
Vertigo & Dizziness
Vertigo is a feeling that you are spinning or that your surroundings are spinning around you. There are two main types of vertigo. Peripheral vertigo affects the parts of the inner ear responsible for balance and perceiving motion. Central vertigo cases are linked to disorders and diseases that affect the brain or brain stem. An episode of vertigo and ringing in the ears could indicate a condition called Meniere's disease. Dizziness is a common problem that can increase with age. It may also be caused by dehydration, poor eating habits, fatigue or stress. See your doctor to rule out any concerns. Learn more about preventing and treating dizziness and vertigo with expert advice from Sharecare.
Recently Answered
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UCLA Health answeredThe most common syndrome of dizziness is what doctors refer to as “instability” -- a sensation of unsteadiness that occurs only when people are upright. They feel as though they are losing their balance or might stumble and often need to hold onto furniture or touch the walls when moving. They cannot walk in a straight line.
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Dr. Michael Roizen, MD , Internal Medicine, answeredWhen people get vertigo attacks, they feel as if the world is spinning. Nausea and anxiety follow. Although these dizzy spells may last only 30 seconds to 2 minutes, they're discombobulating.
People who get hit with benign positional vertigo can't be sure of what's up or what's down. For the more than 160,000 North Americans diagnosed with vertigo every year, that makes it hard to drive (you never know when an attack might hit) or feel comfortable with physical activity (just tilting your head can trigger a dizzy spell). -
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Intermountain Healthcare answeredIf you have vertigo that comes and goes, you need to go to a clinic or doctor. Vertigo is usually harmless, but the cause needs to be identified. Your doctor can often give you medicine or a simple treatment in the office to lessen or relieve your symptoms. Sometimes, the doctor may recommend certain exercises or therapy. This depends on what may be causing your vertigo. -
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Intermountain Healthcare answeredCall 911 or go to the hospital emergency room if you have vertigo along with one or more of these symptoms:
- Severe headache
- Temperature over 100 degrees F
- Double vision
- Trouble speaking or hearing
- Inability to walk
- Passing out
- Numbness or tingling
- Chest pain or severe trouble breathing
- Vomiting that won't stop
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Natural Medicines answeredHealthcare professionals recommend that if an individual is susceptible to vertigo (dizziness), they should: be aware of the possibility of losing balance, which can lead to falling and serious injury. Patients are directed to sit or lie down immediately when feeling dizzy; avoid driving a car or operating heavy machinery if experiencing frequent dizziness; use good lighting when getting out of bed at night; walk with a cane for stability; and avoid using caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. Excessive use of these substances can constrict blood vessels and worsen signs and symptoms. Always work closely with a doctor to manage symptoms effectively. A doctor or pharmacist can also advise the individual about certain medications that may cause dizziness.
You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
For more information visit https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/ -
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Natural Medicines answered
Dizziness is a symptom, not a disease. Dizziness is defined as a feeling of being woozy, drunk, unsteady, or giddy. It is a general term used to describe the sensation of imbalance.
Individuals often describe balance problems in terms of vertigo, dizziness, lightheadedness, and motion sickness.
The term vertigo refers to a specific type of dizziness that causes the sensation of spinning or whirling. This generally occurs as a result of a disturbance in balance (equilibrium). Vertigo also may be used to describe feelings of dizziness, lightheadedness, faintness, and unsteadiness. For the purposes of this monograph, vertigo and dizziness will be used interchangeably.
Vertigo is one of the most common health problems in adults. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about 40% of people in the United States experience feeling dizzy at least once during their lifetime. Prevalence is slightly higher in women and increases with age.
While the majority of individuals with dizziness experience mild to moderate symptoms, severe symptoms of dizziness involving disability are seen in an estimated 10% of the patients.
Vertigo may be related to disorders of the vestibular system (the system of balance), injury, or medications. As individuals age, they also become more prone to vestibular disorders, such as vertigo.
You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
For more information visit https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/ -
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You will likely first see your primary care physician to see if these symptoms may be related to an endocrinologic problem such as diabetes or thyroid disorder, or potentially cardiac in origin such as an arrhythmia like atrial fibrillation. If there is a sense of the room spinning or rotational movement, this is called vertigo which can be better evaluated by a neurologist. -
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UCLA Health answeredSee All 4 AnswersVertigo is the sensation of movement, a feeling that “the room is spinning” or conversely a sensation of turning or moving when remaining still. The symptom usually has an abrupt onset and may be accompanied by nausea and difficulty walking. Head turning may aggravate the sensation and lying still helps relieve it. Vertigo stems from an inner ear problem affecting the balance mechanism that helps us stay upright. It usually resolves without treatment and within a few days.
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Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answeredBecause central vertigo is linked to a disorder or disease in the brain, central vertigo can only be prevented by preventing these brain conditions. Dizziness triggered by dehydration, poor eating habits, fatigue, or stress can be prevented with lifestyle changes. Vertigo and dizziness cannot be prevented unless the underlying cause is diagnosed.