15 percent of residents will experience dizziness in Lake Charles in 2019. This sounds like a big number, but in most cases, dizziness is temporary and not a cause for concern. It’s always a good idea to schedule an appointment with an audiologist or ear, nose and throat doctor if you experience multiple episodes of dizziness, or your balance issues are accompanied by other symptoms.
Reasons You Might Feel Dizzy
Dizziness is a generic term describing any sensation of unsteadiness or imbalance. It occurs when your brain senses movement that isn’t actually happening. It can be triggered by something as simple as standing up too quickly from a seated position. Symptoms associated with dizziness include:
- Lightheadedness
- Vertigo
- Fainting
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Blurry vision
Sometimes, more serious symptoms will occur. If your dizziness is accompanied by vomiting, double vision, shortness of breath, chest or back pain, stiffness in the neck, fever, difficulty walking or trouble using your arms or legs, contact your Lake Charles doctor immediately or get yourself to the ER. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment from a health care profession.
Many conditions cause dizziness. Low blood pressure, anemia, dehydration, hypertension, endocrine system disorders, cardiovascular conditions, viral and bacterial infections, head trauma, neurological disorders, hyperventilation, heat-related disorders and medication side effects are all common causes of dizziness.
Treating Dizziness in Scottsdale
An occasional spell of dizziness is common and nothing to worry about, but repeated episodes require medical attention – especially if you’re older. 40 percent of elderly people in Scottsdale experience chronic dizziness, putting them at risk of falling – one of the top causes of death in individuals aged 80 and older.
How your dizziness is treated depends on what is causing it. Your Scottsdale audiologist or ear, nose and throat specialist will administer a thorough medical evaluation in order to determine the reason for your unsteadiness. Popular treatment options include:
- Medications (antihistamines, sedatives, antibiotics, steroids)
- Physical or occupational therapy
- Surgery
- Repositioning exercises
- Vestibular retraining programs
- Lifestyle modifications (e.g., reducing sodium intake, quitting smoking)
To ensure a happy and healthy new year, if you’re experiencing repeat episodes of dizziness, contact a Scottsdale ENT doctor or audiologist without delay. It’s likely nothing serious, but always best to err on the side of caution.