My 54-year-old son had dizziness. He could not drive. He took all kinds of tests and found nothing. He did some research and found out that he was drinking too much caffeine. He eliminated coffee, coke, etc., from his diet and the dizziness has gone away.
Comment from: came243, 55-64 Female (Patient)Published: July 06
I have dizziness and there are times if I laugh too hard, I feel very light headed. I can sometimes feel a throbbing in my chest. Also, I'm not sure if it's related, but I sometimes get severe leg or feet cramps. I am on Diovan along with a water pill for high blood pressure. Recently, my blood pressure was 100/76 and the nurse thought it maybe too low for me. I really need some help.
Comment from: lesley, 55-64 Female (Patient)Published: July 06
I discovered that I was losing my hearing as well. Over time it seemed that as my hearing loss worsened, the pains increased. I had a fungal infection in my right ear that also caused a spike in blood pressure and one time my left arm went numb. An ekg showed no heart problems. I have had 2 cat scans and 2 MRI's over the years, and plenty of blood tests all coming out normal. This past January, I noticed that I couldn't hear out of my right ear. I also started to get palpitations, and blurry vision while driving. The pains in my head increased. I was doing badly in school, and I started to lose my balance and fall, other times I was dizzy, and have been hallucinating, mainly colors. I went to the ER and had very high blood pressure reading despite the fact that I was taking Atenolol and Amis. My left arm went numb, and I couldn't read the eye chart, and one of the nurses had a blue chin. The doctor said that I had Meneries and prescribed the antivert. I just went through tests. One test was abnormal. Another test was inconclusive for I didn't see one red dot I saw many. Between each test I saw blue. I have been on the following medications: Antivert, Atenolol, Amitryptoline, and Valium, of course not during the tests. I now have an appointment with physical therapy and none of my doctors agree about diagnosis and medications. I am so confused. I don't know what lies in the future for me. The medications side effects produce the same effects I am trying to get rid of. The hallucinations have caused a stop of Amis, but my ENT just ordered a 6 month supply of Valium, which are addictive. I don't like this at all. In the meantime, I am still weak, but the valium has helped the tingling in my head and pain. I am more constipated, and this is from the medications. I am not working. This is causing a complete interruption of my ability to function properly. My daughter is getting married next month. This should be a glorious time, but I am being kept out of all planning and I feel so lost. I should be a part of this important day. I guess the best I can hope for is that I won't make a fool of myself.
Comment from: womanontheedge, 45-54 Female (Patient)Published: June 24
I just found this site and was looking to see if anyone sounded like me. My dizziness started with a few spells' one right after I was swimming laps and another while I was on the computer. The next think I knew was I woke up dizzy - and it never went away. My dizziness does not feel like the room is moving around me, but more like I have movement in my head. In the beginning I would wake up (after having a hard time going to sleep because I was dizzy - like a hamster running around in there) and be so dizzy that I would throw up. I discovered that it was caused by changes in atmospheric pressure. I would try to hold my head still, but it didn't help. Being in stores bothered me. I was very sensitive to light and sound (I still am when there is a change in atmospheric pressure). I had a number of test done - cat scans, MRI's, balance tests, rotation chair, etc. I ended up with a diagnosis of endolymphatic hydrops of which meneres is a form. Treatment is a low salt diet (hard to do when you have a family) and a diuretic. I can no longer take the meds. Not all doctors agreed with the diagnosis, so who really knows. I am still dizzy 24/7 with better days now as it has been almost 9 years. If I thought I would have this forever when it started I don't know what I would have done. If anyone has what sounds like this, please comment.
Comment from: mianena79, 25-34 Female (Patient)Published: April 16
I was at the gym yesterday and did my normal routine, but when I was done I became very dizzy and lightheaded and had to sit for about 20 minutes or so. I was not able to walk. I was having hot and cold flashes. I took my sweater off thinking that maybe my body was hot. I asked one of the girls at the gym if I could have a piece of gum to see if that could help. I am not sure what could have made me feel this way.
Patient Discussions are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your physician or other qualified health provider because of something you have read on MedicineNet. The opinions expressed in the comments section are of the author and the author alone. MedicineNet does not endorse any specific product, service or treatment.
If you think you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Low blood pressure, also referred to as hypotension, is blood pressure that is so low that it causes symptoms or signs due to the low flow of blood through the arteries and veins. Some of the symptoms of low blood pressure include light-headedness, dizziness, or even fainting if not enough blood is getting to the brain. Diseases and medications can also cause low blood pressure. When the flow of blood is too low to deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys; the organs do not function normally and may be permanently damaged.
Gastroenteritis (viral gastroenteritis, stomach flu) is an infection caused by a variety of viruses that results in vomiting and/or diarrhea. Even though it is often called the "stomach flu," it is not caused by the influenza viruses. Viruses that can cause gastroenteritis (stomach flu) include: rotaviruses, adenoviruses, caliciviruses, astroviruses, Norwalk virus, and a group of Noroviruses. Gastroenteritis is not caused by bacteria. The main symptoms of gastroenteritis include vomiting and watery diarrhea, however, headache, fever, and abdominal cramps (stomach ache) may also be present.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a repeatedly
elevated blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90 mmHg -- a systolic pressure above
140 with a diastolic pressure above 90. There are two causes of high blood pressure, primary and secondary. Primary high blood pressure is much more common that secondary and its basic causes or underlying defects are not always known. It is known that a diet high in salt increases the risk for high blood pressure, as well as high cholesterol. Genetic factors are also a primary cause. Secondary high blood pressure is generally caused by another condition such as renal hypertension, tumors, and other conditions. Treatment for high blood pressure is generally lifestyle changes and if necessary, diet.
There are many symptoms involved in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. The first early pregnancy symptom is typically a missed period, but others include breast swelling and tenderness, nausea and sometimes vomiting, fatigue and bloating. Second trimester symptoms include backache, weight gain, itching, and possible stretch marks. Third trimester symptoms are additional weight gain, heartburn, hemorrhoids, swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face, breast tenderness, and trouble sleeping. Read more to learn about recommended procedures and tests for each stage of a healthy pregnancy.
Dehydration is the excessive loss of body water. There are a number of causes of dehydration including heat exposure, prolonged vigorous exercise, and some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The best way to treat dehydration is to prevent it from occurring.
Hypothyroidism is any state in which thyroid hormone production is below normal. Normally, the
rate of thyroid hormone production is controlled by the brain at the pituitary.
Hypothyroidism is a very common condition and the symptoms of hypothyroidism are
often subtle.
Anemia is the condition of having less than the normal number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. The oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is, therefore, decreased.
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue. Treatment of diabetes depends on the type.
A stroke results from impaired oxygen delivery to brain cells via the bloodstream. A stroke is also referred to as a CVA, or cerebrovascular incident. Symptoms of stroke include: sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance, and/or sudden severe headache with no known cause. A TIA, or transient ischemic attack is a short-lived temporary impairment of the brain caused by loss of blood supply. Stroke is a medical emergency.
Hyperthyroidism is an excess of thyroid hormone resulting from an overactive thyroid gland. Symptoms can include increased heart rate, weight
loss, depression, and cognitive slowing. Treatment is by medication, the use of
radioactive iodine, thyroid surgery, or reducing the dose of thyroid hormone.
Nausea is an uneasiness of the stomach that often precedes vomiting. Nausea and vomiting are not diseases, but they are symptoms of many conditions. The causes of vomiting differ according to age, and treatment depends upon the cause of nausea and vomiting.
Fainting, also referred to as blacking out, syncope, or temporary loss of consciousness has many causes. Often a person will have signs or symptoms prior to the fainting episode. Diagnosis and treatment depends upon the cause of the fainting or syncope episode.
Neck pain (cervical pain) may be caused by any number of disorders and diseases. Tenderness is another symptom of neck pain. Though treatment for neck pain really depends upon the cause, treatment typically may involve heat/ice application, traction, physical therapy, cortisone injection, topical anesthetic creams, and muscle relaxants.
Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating. It can occur at any age and it appears as a rash that itches or feels prickly, and looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters. Pictures of heat rash are included.
Hypoglycemia is a syndrome caused by low blood sugar. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include palpitations, trembling, intense hunger, sweating, nervousness, and weakness. Consuming lifesavers, table sugar, soda, and juice are good treatment options for hypoglycemia.
Although a fever technically is any body temperature above the normal of 98.6 degrees F. (37 degrees C.), in practice a person is usually not considered to have a significant fever until the temperature is above 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C.). Fever is part of the body's own disease-fighting arsenal: rising body temperatures apparently are capable of killing off many disease- producing organisms.
Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, is a disorder of the temporomandibular joint(s) that causes signs and symptoms including ear pain, bite problems, headaches, dizziness, clicking sounds in the jaw, tinnitus and/or locked jaws. Behaviors or conditions that can lead to TMJ include teeth grinding or clenching, fingernail biting, habitual gum chewing, trauma to the jaw, stress, and occupational hazards. Treatment for TMJ may include heat, ice, a soft diet, antiinflammatory medications, physical therapy, stress management, occlusal therapy, correction of bite abnormalities, and surgery.
Alcoholism is a disease that includes alcohol craving and continued drinking despite repeated alcohol-related problems, such as losing a job or getting into trouble with the law.
Vertigo is a feeling of spinning movement, and at times accompanied by nausea and vomiting occur. Vertigo is most often associated with an inner ear problem. The treatment for vertigo can be lifestyle changes and medication if necessary.
Chest pain is a common complaint by a patient in the ER. Causes of chest pain include broken or bruised ribs, pleurisy, pneumothorax, shingles, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, angina, heart attack, costochondritis, pericarditis, aorta or aortic dissection, and reflux esophagitis. Diagnosis and treatment of chest pain depends upon the cause and clinical presentation of the patient's chest pain.
Internal bleeding occurs when an artery or vein is damaged and blood to escapes the circulatory system and collects inside the body. Internal bleeding can be caused by a variety of situations such as blunt trauma, deceleration trauma, medications, fractures, and spontaneous bleeding. Treatment of internal bleeding depends on the cause of the bleeding.
Parkinson's disease is a slowly progressive neurologic disease characterized by a fixed inexpressive face, a tremor at rest, slowing of voluntary movements, a gait with short accelerating steps, peculiar posture and muscle weakness, caused by degeneration of an area of the brain called the basal ganglia, and by low production of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Most patients are over 50, but at least 10 percent are under 40.
Addison disease is a hormonal (endocrine) disorder involving destruction of the adrenal glands (small glands adjacent to the kidneys). Diseased glands can no longer produce sufficient adrenal hormones (specifically cortisol) necessary for normal daily body functions. Symptoms include weight loss, muscle weakness, fatigue, low blood pressure, and sometimes darkening of the skin. Treatment of Addison disease involves replacing, or substituting, the hormones that the adrenal glands are not making.
Pregnancy symptoms vary from woman to woman. There are some symptoms that are more frequent in some women. These symptoms include a missed period, nausea, vomiting, bloating, weight gain, headaches, food cravings, and mood changes.
Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are premature heartbeats originating from the ventricles of the heart. PVCs are premature because they occur before the regular heartbeat. There are many causes of premature ventricular contractions to include: heart attack, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, mitral valve prolapse, hypokalemia, hypoxia, medications, excess caffeine, drug abuse, and myocarditis.
Heat stroke (heatstroke or sun stroke) is a form of hyperthermia. Heat stroke is a true medical emergency that can be fatal if not promptly and properly treated. Symptoms of heat stroke include: high body temperature, absence of sweating, with hot red or flushed dry skin, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, strange behavior, hallucinations, confusion, agitation, disorientation, seizure, and coma. A victim of heat stroke must receive immediate treatment to avoid permanent organ damage.
Heart rhythm disorders vary from minor palpitations, premature atrial contractions (PACs), premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), sinus tachycardia, and sinus brachycardia, to abnormal heart rhythms such as tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular flutter, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), Wolf-White-Parkinson syndrome, brachycardia, or heart blocks. Treatment is dependant upon the type of heart rhythm disorder.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a debilitating and complex disorder characterized by profound fatigue that lasts 6 months or longer, is not improved by bed rest, and may be worsened by physical or mental activity.
Heart disease (coronary artery disease) is caused by a buildup of cholesterol deposits in the coronary arteries. Risk factors for heart disease include smoking, high blood pressure, heredity, diabetes, peripheral artery disease, and obesity. Symptoms include chest pain and shortness of breath. There are a variety of tests used to diagnose coronary artery disease. Treatment includes life-style changes, medications, procedures, or surgery.
The human body has two major sets of blood vessels that distribute blood from
the heart to the body. One set pumps blood from the right heart to the
lungs and
the other from the left heart to the rest of the body.
The portion of the circulation that
distributes oxygen-rich blood from the left side of the heart, throughout the
body, is referred to as the systemic circulation.
The blood then returns from
the body to the right side of the heart and passes through the lungs to
replenish oxygen.
It then returns to the left
side of the heart for another round through the systemic circulation.
The
portion of the circulation that distributes the blood from the right side of the
heart to the lungs is referred to as the pulmonary (lung) circulation.
The
pulmonary arteries are the major blood vessels that carry blood from the rig...
If you think you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
Neurology RSS
Healthy Living Tips
This site complies with the
My 54-year-old son had dizziness. He could not drive. He took all kinds of tests and found nothing. He did some research and found out that he was drinking too much caffeine. He eliminated coffee, coke, etc., from his diet and the dizziness has gone away.
Related Reading: dizziness