Sudden Dizziness? 3 Unexpected Causes

 Little is as unsettling as the unbalanced, lightheaded, or “spinning” sensations of dizziness. While most people get dizzy at some point, severe, sudden, and recurrent episodes may indicate a medical condition. Thankfully, most causes of dizziness are treatable.

At his New Rochelle, New York offices, board-certified neurologist Dr. Farhad Elyaderani and his team diagnose and recommend effective treatments for dizziness of all kinds.

If you’re bothered by dizzy spells, consider the following potential causes and ways to find relief.

1. Ménière's disease

Ménière's disease is a balance disorder that affects the inner ear, making way for dizziness. It can also cause tinnitus (ringing in your ears), ear congestion, and muffled hearing.

Dizziness from Ménière's disease often occurs suddenly. In some cases, the spinny sensations follow a bout of tinnitus. In either case, sudden dizziness may flare up several times a week or in episodes spaced months apart.

The exact cause of Ménière's disease is unknown, but fluid buildup in the inner ear symptoms seems to fuel it.

2. Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis causes inflammation of the innermost part of the ear, known as the labyrinth. The condition can cause chronic vertigo, a type of dizziness, and sudden dizzy spells. 

Other possible labyrinthitis signs include balance issues, blurred vision, difficulty concentrating, and nausea or vomiting. 

Labyrinthitis is usually caused by a viral infection, such as the common cold or influenza. Less common culprits include allergies, certain medications, and bacterial infections.

3. Stress and anxiety

Sudden dizziness can have emotional roots. When intense stress or anxiety sets in, the body releases hormones affecting respiration and blood flow. This rush of hormones can lead to narrowed blood vessels, increased heart rate, and shallow breathing, all of which can spur dizziness.

Stress and anxiety may also prompt dizziness by triggering a vestibular migraine. For many people, these moderate to severe headaches cause head pain and lightheadedness. Bright lights and standing up quickly may make your migraine and dizziness worse.

Sudden dizziness treatment

See emergency medical attention if you experience sudden dizziness and severe symptoms, such as breathing problems, chest pain, confusion, or slurred speech. 

Your dizziness treatment plan from Dr. Elyaderani will depend on the cause and severity of your symptoms. Components he may recommend include:

• Antibiotic or anti-inflammatory medication
• Canalith repositioning, a manual technique for vertigo
• Migraine medication
• Medical Botox® injections

He can also discuss lifestyle practices that can help prevent dizziness, such as staying well-hydrated, getting plenty of sleep, and managing stress. Given that heart disease can cause dizziness, a heart-healthy diet and routine exercise may also help.

Call Dr. Farhad Elyaderani or request an appointment online today to learn more about sudden dizziness causes or get the personalized care you need.