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What Are the Causes of Feeling Light Headed?

Lightheadedness is a feeling of almost fainting; it may present itself as slight numbness in the face and extremities, dulling of the senses, and sudden weakness. It may cause feelings of discomfort that lead to nausea or vomiting. Although many of the causes of lightheadedness are not serious, if you have severe dizziness or you experience mild cases over a series of weeks, you should check with a doctor.

  1. Lightheadedness

    • Lightheadedness is generally caused by a rapid drop in blood pressure that momentarily deprives the brain of oxygen and/or the inner ear of blood.

    Positional Causes

    • For people with healthy (slow pulse) hearts or those with irregular heartbeats, standing up quickly can lead to lightheadedness. The sudden move can result in slowing the blood flow to the brain for a second or two after standing.

    Allergies

    • In many cases, allergies and histamine reactions can cause feelings of dizziness. These effects can be helped by taking over-the-counter antihistamines.

    Ear Infections

    • Ear infections can affect the blood flow to the inner ear, which regulates your balance. These disruptions can easily cause feelings of lightheadedness, but should go away with treatment.

    Blood Loss

    • Significant blood loss can cause dizziness. A rapid drop in blood pressure results when blood is removed from the system. Unless the cause of blood loss is known and controlled (such as a blood test), this is one of the most dangerous causes of dizziness and should immediately be treated .

    Notes

    • Feelings of lightheadedness may also be called 'dizziness' or 'vertigo'. However, vertigo implies a feeling that surroundings are moving while you are still, while lightheadedness does not. Dizziness is a term that encapsulates both lightheadedness and vertigo.

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