THE dizziness – or dizziness, according to the established medical term – are due to a dysfunction in the inner ear, which ensures our balance. “When they occur intensely, they give the impression that the environment around us is moving, or, conversely, that our body is moving – while it remains still -, falling or swinging from side to side. back and forth”, describes Dr Cyril Bègue, general practitioner.
A frequent reason for consultation, these instabilities vary depending on the person and can be accompanied by other signs such as nausea, vomiting, sweating, tinnitus; sometimes even hearing loss or migraines. More or less severe symptoms, which last from a few minutes to several days and which can be caused by various disorders or illnesses.
The most impressive dizziness is not the most serious
“The most impressive dizziness is not always the most serious”, assures Dr. Bègue. Indeed, a dizziness that occurs once in a while, in a favorable context (heat, fatigue, hunger, stress, panic attack, etc.), is not something to worry about. If it repeats regularly and if it is associated with other stronger signs, then it is necessary to consult your doctor who will refer you, if necessary, to an ENT doctor.
This phenomenon, if chronic, can in fact become disabling on a daily basis, in addition to causing anxiety. There are also many other possible causes of dizziness, such as ear trauma, chronic ear infection, low blood pressure or even certain medications. This is why it is important to try to understand where they come from.
The 6 most common causes of dizziness
Vagal discomfort. Sudden, transient drop in blood pressure and heart rate, vagal discomfort is however not serious. “It is due to hyperstimulation of the vagus nerve and most of the time occurs in specific circumstances: hot and confined atmosphere, fatigue, prolonged standing, strong emotion or violent pain. » Very often, it is preceded by other signs (sweating, nausea, weakness in the legs, vision problems, etc.) and can lead to syncope, or loss of consciousness.
Anemia. Anemia is an abnormal drop in the level of hemoglobin in the blood. Its causes are multiple, but it is often due to iron deficiency. When it is moderate, it causes fatigue, a feeling of weakness and great paleness. More severe, it can cause dizziness, in addition to shortness of breath, headaches, palpitations, etc.
Diabetes. Hypoglycemia (drop in blood glucose levels) causes various symptoms, including dizziness, feeling weak, excessive sweating and loss of balance. “Signs that people with diabetes know well, specifies Dr Cyril Bègue. A simple rebalancing of the treatment allows everything to return to normal. » Hypoglycemia is also rare in people without diabetes.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. BPPV is one of the common causes of vertigo (25 to 35%). Triggered by a sudden change in head position, it is due to the detachment of small calcium carbonate crystals – which float inside the tubes of the inner ear – and is characterized by brief but violent rotating dizziness, sometimes accompanied by nausea and vomiting. “A disturbance which can be worrying, but which is benign, which is treated by liberating maneuvers by an ENT doctor or a specialized physiotherapist”, assure notre expert.
Vestibular neuritis. This inflammation of the vestibular nerve (which innervates the inner ear) is certainly due to a viral infection. Its manifestations are sudden, intense, and can last for several days before regressing when the infection heals. “Dizziness is there too, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting, which can be relieved with medication. »
Ménière’s disease. This pathology comes from an excessive accumulation of fluid in the inner ear, and is linked to viral infections, allergies, head trauma or hereditary factors. “It results in long and intense attacks of dizziness, but also in tinnitus or a progressive loss of hearing, says the doctor. These episodes can last several hours and repeat over time. » A common cause of vertigo, it requires good monitoring, particularly medication (antivertiginous drugs, anxiolytics, etc.), because it can develop into chronic lesions of the labyrinth and lead to progressive deafness.
Three causes of dizziness that are rarer
A tumor. Certain ear tumors, benign or malignant, can also manifest as dizziness or balance problems, in addition to tinnitus and hearing loss. However, they are rare and can be difficult to diagnose.
A stroke. Even less easy to identify, dizziness can be a warning symptom of a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). The clot that blocks the artery in the cerebellum or brainstem can in fact damage the balance control centers, and therefore cause dizziness. In this case, other signs are associated, such as facial paralysis or loss of sensitivity.
Multiple sclerosis. Dizziness, instability, sensation of pitching and muscle weakness, clumsiness are suggestive signs of this chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. They can be installed in successive sudden bursts or gradually.
Notre expert : Dr Cyril Bègue, general practitioner, deputy secretary general of the College of General Medicine and lecturer at the University of Angers
Source: www.topsante.com
