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Lightheadedness

Lightheadedness Treatment in Delhi, India

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Overview

Lightheadedness is a feeling of fainting or passing out. It is common to feel lightheaded sometimes. However, if it occurs frequently, it may indicate a severe issue. It often occurs due to a momentary drop in blood pressure followed by a lack of blood supply to the brain. It may also occur due to dehydration or a sudden change in posture from supine to upright. The body feels heavy, unsteady, sweaty, and nauseous. Lightheadedness is not life-threatening and can be treated once the causative factor is diagnosed.

Lightheadedness Causes

Some of the reasons behind a person feeling faint-like are:

  • Dehydration

    Dehydration is when the body is overheated. There may be a significant reduction in water intake. Inadequate fluid intake reduces blood volume, thereby lowering blood pressure and resultant lightheadedness. Sometimes, an imbalance in electrolytes like sodium and potassium may induce lightheadedness.

  • Low serum iron

    Reduced haemoglobin sometimes results in lightheadedness and can be diagnosed with a simple CBC (Complete Blood Count) Test.

  • Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)

    Reduced sugar levels in the blood put the body in reserve mode and allow the brain to utilize a small amount of sugar to produce energy resulting in confusion and lightheadedness.

  • Side effects of medicines

    Drugs that induce urination and lower blood pressure as a side effect or major effect tend to provoke a light head. For example, some patients complain of lightheadedness after receiving local anaesthesia for a dental procedure.

  • Anxiety, Panic Attack, or Trauma

    When a person hears some shocking news, an emotional response is triggered. The blood pressure lowers, and the body redistributes blood - takes blood from the extremities (hands and feet) and supplies it to vital organs such as the brain and heart. This leads to lightheadedness, cold hands and feet, and sweaty palms and forehead.

  • Postural hypotension (sudden change in posture)

    The autonomic nervous system (a part of the nervous system that controls muscles of internal organs and glands) regulates the shift in blood pressure in different body positions. When a person suddenly sits upright from a lengthy period in the supine position, blood pressure drops, and lightheadedness sets in.

  • Labyrinthitis

    An inner ear infection that affects the two vestibular nerves that are responsible for the communication with the brain about bodily balance and spatial navigation is called Labyrinthitis. One of the symptoms of this infection is vertigo.

  • Stroke and Heart Attack

    Lightheadedness may be one of the symptoms of severe conditions such as heart attack or stroke. Symptoms suggestive of a heart attack include lowered blood pressure, chest pain, and pain in the left arm and left side of the body. The sudden onset of headache, numbness, weakness, visual disturbances, and slurred speech all indicate a stroke. It is imperative to seek immediate medical help if these symptoms are observed.

  • Excessive bleeding

    In an accident, if a person loses a lot of blood, they might feel giddy for some time. It happens because the blood supply to the vital organs is compromised.

  • Premenstrual symptoms (PMS)

    Lightheadedness can happen around the occurrence of menses. It is common for a person to experience low blood pressure and a faint-like feeling. It is often an indicator of menses being around the corner by women.

When to See the Doctor

If lightheadedness occurs for more than a week, is recurrent or is associated with falls, one must schedule a consultation with the doctor and seek assistance. In case of the following symptoms, summon help immediately:

  • Feeling numbness on one side of the body
  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Finding it difficult to breathe
  • Feeling confused
  • Feeling ill, cold and sweaty
  • Have lost a lot of blood
  • Feeling pressure or pain in the chest
  • Feeling nauseous or are vomiting

Lightheadedness Treatment

Gulping a glass of water or chewing on a sugary candy provides immediate relief. In case of severe dehydration, an intravenous drip at the hospital may be advised. If lightheadedness is a frequent episode, consulting the doctor is crucial. He may look into the existing medication and prescribe changes as necessary. They may also advise to go on a low-salt diet and switch to healthy, regular meals.

Another immediate solution could be lying down in Trendelenburg’s position, i.e., elevating the legs to more than 15-30 degrees than the level of the head. This increases the blood supply to the brain owing to gravity. In some cases, one may require a change in current medication.

Lightheadedness Risk factors & Prevention

  • Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
  • Routinely test blood sugar levels (if diabetic) and haemoglobin levels.
  • Reduce caffeine, alcohol, and smoke in any form, and regularize salt intake.
  • Eat a balanced and healthy diet.
  • Sleep well enough for at least 7 hours a day.
  • Find ways to relieve stress - Exercise or meditate regularly for a healthy body and mind.
  • If diagnosed with postural hypotension, one must sit slowly after a prolonged period of sleep/lying in the supine position.
  •  Increasing the amount of water intake can help prevent the occurrence of lightheadedness pre-menses.
  • If medicines are the cause of lightheadedness, consult a doctor immediately.

Lightheadedness Complication

One of the complications that can occur is self-injury. When a person is light-headed, chances are that they might fall unconscious. It may result in injuring any part of the body. Experiencing lightheadedness while driving a vehicle may cause an accident. If an existing health condition causing lightheadedness is left untreated, it can lead to severe complications.

Prognosis

Lightheadedness is in itself a symptom of underlying medical conditions. When the cause behind it is addressed, it subsides immediately.

Reviewed & Updated On

Reviewed by Dr. Amit Batra, Principal Consultant, Neurosciences, Neurology on 22-Mar-2023.


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