Dizziness is a feeling of being lightheaded, woozy or unbalanced. It affects almost all functioning body parts which would usually cause fainting. Dizziness is a symptom which may be caused by an underlying disease process. The usual cause of dizziness includes disequilibrium and vertigo which can also stem from inner ear disorders, medications and alcohol. Other causes of dizziness include a sudden drop of blood pressure, heart muscle disease, anemia, anxiety disorders, dehydration, motion sickness and many others.
An emergency medical responder should be contacted when the patient, along with dizziness, has the following symptoms:
- A change in vision or speech
- Chest pain radiating to the other body parts
- Shortness of breath
- Seizures or ongoing vomiting
- Dizziness following a head injury
- Change in the mental status of the patient (loss of consciousness)
- Stiff neck and fever
- Inability to move extremities
- Slurred speech
Dizziness usually resolves even without any treatment. However, in some cases, it is a symptom of a serious illness. It also imposes a level of risk as the person may be at risk for fainting or loss of balance. It is most dangerous when the person is driving, operating machinery or doing activities that requires a high level of mental attention. In these cases, immediate first aid assistance should be given until help arrives.
First Aid Management
The person should avoid doing strenuous activities when he feels dizzy. He should also be advised to avoid activities that require high levels of mental alertness as not to incur further injury. As soon as the person feels dizzy, he should be advised to lie still or sit down. Usually, a person also feels dizzy upon getting up so he should be advised get up slowly or gradually by sitting down first and dangling of feet before totally getting up. This prevents the abrupt blood flow from the head going down to the body that causes dizziness. Also advise to avoid sudden changes in position. It would also be best to avoid sudden bright lights.