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What are the Causes of Constant Dizziness?
There are many causes of constant dizziness. Irregular blood pressure affects the amount of oxygen the brain receives. There are also a variety of heart conditions that cause dizziness. Brain cancer or other disorders such as stroke create the same symptom. Finally, feeling dizzy is a side effect of many medications. Having the underlying condition diagnosed as soon as possible guarantees a better prognosis.
High and low blood pressure can cause constant dizziness. High blood pressure causes damage to the arteries and capillaries, while low blood pressure reduces the volume of blood going to the brain. The affect of both conditions is less oxygen reaching the brain. Dizziness is a symptom of the brain's inability to work at full capacity.
Heart conditions can also decrease the amount of blood reaching the brain. Irregular heart rhythms such as arrhythmia have this effect, as does heart disease. Illegal drugs that affect the heart can create feelings of dizziness as well. Cocaine, for example, greatly increases one's heartbeat. The brain receiving too much blood creates the same symptom of dizziness as too little blood.
As the brain plays a large role in controlling blood flow, brain disorders are also responsible for constant dizziness. Brain tumors can cause an irregular heart beat that disrupts normal blood; dizziness results in the same manner as if one had a blood pressure disorder. Dizziness is also one of the first symptoms of stroke, an event where the brain is suddenly cut off from its blood supply. A less life-threatening cause associated with the brain is sudden reduction of blood flow when a person quickly assumes a standing position.
Certain medications are also known to cause constant dizziness. Dizziness is a common side effect of sedatives and tranquilizers. Some blood pressure medication and antidepressants are also responsible. Due to the effect of dizziness on cognitive function and reaction time, prescription medications that cause this side effect will usually contain a warning label for patients.
If one experiences constant dizziness, it is necessary to consult with a physician. A physician will take a medical history and perform appropriate tests to diagnose the cause of the dizziness. As the conditions and medications that cause dizziness usually present with secondary symptoms, a patient should not have to wait long before receiving a diagnosis. As some causes of dizziness are serious medical conditions, having the best chances of a full recovery depend on receiving medical attention as soon as possible.
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![Some medication, as well as illicit drugs can cause dizziness.]()
By: WavebreakmediaMicroSome medication, as well as illicit drugs can cause dizziness. -
![Blood pressure issues may be the cause of constant dizziness.]()
By: pearlBlood pressure issues may be the cause of constant dizziness. -
![Resting may help relieve feelings of dizziness.]()
By: lightwavemediaResting may help relieve feelings of dizziness. -
![Certain heart conditions may lead to constant dizziness.]()
By: Doreen SalcherCertain heart conditions may lead to constant dizziness. -
![Frequent cocaine use may cause constant dizziness.]()
By: HamsterManFrequent cocaine use may cause constant dizziness. -
![Brain disorders such as cancer or strokes can cause constant dizziness.]()
By: TryfonovBrain disorders such as cancer or strokes can cause constant dizziness. -
![In some instances, the medications used to treat high blood pressure can trigger chronic dizziness.]()
By: WynterIn some instances, the medications used to treat high blood pressure can trigger chronic dizziness.
Discussion Comments
I don't know what's up with me. I've been feeling dizzy for the past week now. I don't really feel weak or anything. I just feel so dizzy.
Please consult with a neurologist. I too had the same problem and the consistent dizziness for three or four months. Now I am a clear cut MS patient. That dizziness was due to MS only.
Please do get a neuro check-up because the earlier MS is treated, the better. There is no cure for MS, but disease modifying therapy can extend your better days for some time.
My blood pressure medication made me dizzy all the time. My doctor had increased the dosage when I didn't respond to the first medication, and over time, my blood pressure had gone down enough to make me dizzy.
I also would feel really tired and weak all the time. I just wanted to lie down, and I had trouble lifting heavy things.
My doctor decreased my dosage, and I began to feel normal again. The medication had worked too well!
I've heard that headaches and dizziness are related. I have a friend who gets migraines almost on a daily basis, and they are often accompanied with dizziness.
I have seen him stumble while walking. I've also seen him grab onto a counter while standing for support.
I've never experienced constant dizziness. That would be incredibly hard to live with!
While I was taking an antidepressant, I did experience sudden dizziness whenever I would stand up from a squatting position. It was so extreme that I would lose my balance and fall into whatever was nearby.
Because this medicine also caused my heart to skip beats, I had to give it up. I was relieved when I found that I could stand up from squatting without being so dizzy that I nearly fainted!
Dizziness causes nausea a lot of the time. I know that while I had an inner ear problem, I stayed both dizzy and nauseous. I tried drinking peppermint tea, which soothed my stomach, but as soon as I got up and started walking again, both the dizziness and nausea returned.
I've had dizzy spells for four months and nothing has helped me. My therapist turns my head this way and that way and I walk. I live with this 24/7 and no one can help me. I've had back surgery and they say that may be the problem. Can anyone help me, please?
My doctor told me that my constant dizzy spells are caused from BPPV, benign paraxysmal positional vertigo. It is a constant spinning sensation and ringing in the ear.
I'm only thirty-two years old and for the most part fairly healthy except for these constant headaches and the dizziness that I've been living with for the past six months.
The physician said that most cases of BPPV will go away on their own but my case is a little more severe. I may have to take vestibular suppressants for awhile, along with some required head exercises designed to dislodge particles from my inner ear canal.
My uncle had chronic dizziness for about three months before he finally found out what caused dizziness. He seen just about every type of physician and had undergone just about every type of test imaginable before seeing his chiropractor.
He was just about to begin anti-depressant treatment for his newly developed anxiety disorder when his chiropractor told him his vertebra was out of whack and that's what has been causing his dizzy spells.
What a relief that was to hear. After just ten sessions with the chiropractor he is like a whole new man with no more dizziness and no more anxiety.
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