Dizziness can be difficult to describe. You may feel lightheaded, unsteady, weak, or as though the room is spinning. Sometimes, it happens suddenly and disappears just as quickly. Other times, dizziness may come and go throughout the day. While occasional dizziness can have a simple explanation, recurring episodes shouldn’t always be ignored. Dizziness can be caused by something as minor as slight dehydration or standing up too quickly, but it can also be related to your blood pressure, inner ear, medications, or an underlying illness. So, what causes dizziness that comes and goes? Keep reading for some of the most common possibilities.
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Dehydration Can Cause Episodes of Dizziness
Not drinking enough fluids is a common cause of temporary dizziness. Your body needs adequate fluids to maintain normal blood volume and circulation. When you’re dehydrated, you may experience lightheadedness, weakness, headache, or fatigue. Dizziness related to dehydration may be more noticeable after exercising, spending time outside in hot weather, sweating heavily, or experiencing vomiting or diarrhea.
Other signs of dehydration can include:
- Increased thirst
- Dry mouth
- Dark-colored urine
- Urinating less frequently
- Fatigue
- Headache
Drinking fluids regularly can help prevent dehydration-related dizziness. If you’ve lost a significant amount of fluid because of illness, you may also need to replace electrolytes.
Blood Pressure Changes May Make You Feel Lightheaded
Dizziness that happens when you stand up or change positions may be related to a sudden drop in blood pressure. This is sometimes called orthostatic hypotension. For instance, you might feel fine while sitting or lying down but suddenly become lightheaded when you stand. The sensation may last for a few seconds before improving. Low blood pressure can have several potential causes, including dehydration, certain medications, blood loss, or other health concerns.
On the other hand, very high blood pressure can also be associated with symptoms such as dizziness, although it often causes no noticeable symptoms at all. If you frequently experience dizziness, having your blood pressure checked can be a useful part of determining what’s going on.
Inner Ear Problems Can Cause Dizziness or Vertigo
Your inner ear plays an important role in balance. Problems affecting the inner ear can cause dizziness, unsteadiness, or vertigo, which is the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning. One common cause is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV. With BPPV, brief episodes of vertigo may occur when you move your head in certain ways, such as turning over in bed, looking up, or getting up. Inner ear infections and other conditions affecting the vestibular system can also cause dizziness. If your dizziness feels more like spinning than lightheadedness, an inner ear problem may be worth considering.
Illnesses, Medications, and Other Causes
Dizziness can also occur during or after an illness. Viral infections, migraines, anemia, anxiety, and certain medical conditions can all contribute to dizziness. Some medications may cause dizziness as a side effect, including certain blood pressure medications, sedatives, and other drugs. If your dizziness began after starting a new medication or changing your dose, contact your healthcare provider before making any changes.
Because there are so many potential causes, keeping track of when your dizziness happens can be helpful. Consider noting what you were doing, whether you had recently eaten or exercised, how long the episode lasted, and whether you experienced other symptoms.
When Should You Seek Medical Care for Dizziness?
Occasional, mild dizziness may resolve on its own, especially if it’s related to dehydration, hunger, or standing up too quickly. However, dizziness that repeatedly comes and goes should be evaluated if you can’t identify an obvious cause or if it’s becoming more frequent or severe. Seek immediate medical attention for dizziness accompanied by chest pain, severe headache, fainting, trouble breathing, vision changes, or difficulty walking. These symptoms can indicate a medical emergency that should be treated at the ER.
For recurring or unexplained dizziness without emergency symptoms, an urgent care center can be a convenient place to start. A healthcare provider can review your symptoms, check your vital signs, and determine whether you need testing or follow-up care.
Get a Walk-in Evaluation and Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Aurora Havana
Dizziness that comes and goes can have many possible causes, from dehydration and low blood sugar to blood pressure changes and inner ear problems. Paying attention to when your dizziness occurs and what other symptoms appear can provide helpful clues. If dizziness keeps returning or interferes with your daily activities, don’t simply assume it’s something you have to live with. At AFC Urgent Care Aurora Havana, we can help evaluate your symptoms and determine the appropriate next steps. Our center is open 7 days a week, conveniently located at 10552 E Arizona Pl in Aurora, CO. Most insurance plans are accepted and low-cost options are available for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about the services we provide, please contact our medical team directly at (303) 343-6000.