The brain is the most complicated organ in your body and even the slightest change could affect the way it functions. When you feel lightheaded or dizzy, there is always some reason behind it. While some of the reasons are harmless and needn’t cause much concern, some reasons could be hinting at a serious medical condition that needs immediate treatment. These 7 common reasons for lightheadedness can help you know whether or not you should be worried.
1. You’re Just Hungry
As plain as it sounds, you could be feeling dizzy because you have not had anything to eat for a long time. With busy schedules, skipping breakfast has become a common habit with many people. Your brain needs glucose to function and if you haven’t had enough food, your brain does not have enough fuel. However, if you have diabetes and are taking medications to lower your blood sugar, dizziness could be a sign that your blood sugar is dipping dangerously low. Grabbing a bite can help you feel better.
2. You Have Arrhythmia
Arrhythmia is a heart condition caused by an irregular heartbeat. The heart may beat too fast, too slowly, too early, or irregularly. Since your heart regulates blood pressure in your body, an irregular heartbeat can affect blood flow to the brain making you feel lightheaded. Sometimes, arrhythmia can also cause you to pass out without warning. Arrhythmia is a serious medical condition and requires immediate medical attention. Make sure to contact your doctor immediately during such cases.
3. You Are Surprised
You could also start feeling dizzy when you’re suddenly taken by surprise. It could be a friend trying to scare you or a surprise birthday party, a surprise can send your nervous system into overdrive causing your blood pressure to suddenly drop. This is why you might feel a buzz in your head when surprised. The lightheadedness usually passes in some time as your body normalizes the pressure.
4. You Are Dehydrated
Up to 60% of the human body is water, which means water is vital for our body to function optimally. While different people have different levels of tolerance against dehydration, in some people, lack of fluids can lead to feeling lightheaded or fainting. Heat combined with dehydration is also another reason why people tend to feel dizzy in a stuffy room that’s full of people. In such cases, lying down for some time can help you feel better.
5. It Could Be Your Medications
Some painkillers and anti-anxiety medications have been known to cause dizziness or lightheadedness. It’s because these meds work by slowing your heart, lowering your blood pressure, or affecting your brain directly. If you’re on medications, look up the list of possible side effects and consult your doctor. There is also a rare possibility that you’re allergic to the medication you’re on and are suffering from an anaphylactic reaction to the medication.
6. You Stood Up Quickly
This phenomenon is called orthostatic hypotension or postural hypotension. It occurs when your blood pressure falls when suddenly standing up from a lying or sitting position. It’s usually nothing to worry and could happen to you even if you’re in the best of health. However, if you find that the dizziness is happening frequently and gets worse with time, talk to your doctor about it.
7. You’re Having A Stroke
If your dizziness is accompanied by difficulty in speaking, muscle weakness, or tingling and numbness, it’s possible that you might be suffering from a stroke. If you or someone around you is showing these symptoms, call for emergency medical attention immediately. A stroke is usually caused because of a blood clot in the brain. The clot could also be responsible for the change in blood pressure in the brain leading to lightheadedness.
