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Diagnoses for Dizziness

Individuals complaining of dizziness can be referring to a range of symptoms. They may describe themselves as being lightheaded, unsteady or feeling faint. Some complain of dizziness while experiencing sensations of spinning, known as vertigo. According to the Mayo Clinic, dizziness is one of the most common reasons why people visit their physicians.

  1. Migraines

    • Migraines are chronic headaches that can last for long periods of times and are accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, drowsiness and throbbing head pain. Some migraine sufferers also experience vertigo, which creates the feeling of spinning or being in motion even while still. This form of dizziness can occur not only during migraine episodes, but between them as well, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Cardiovascular Conditions

    • Those who feel like they are "passing out," or feeling faint from dizziness may be experiencing cardiac problems. Their hearts may not be producing an adequate blood flow, which can be caused by heart conditions such as arrhythmia as well as other heart diseases. In addition, sudden drops in blood pressure can also lead to dizziness, particularly when sitting or standing up too quickly, according to the Mayo Clinic. This drop affects systolic blood pressure, which is the top number in pressure readings. According to the National Institutes of Health, the systolic number refers to the amount of pressure produced when the heart contracts.

    Neurological Problems

    • Neurological problems can cause individuals to feel as if they are unsteady while walking. The Mayo Clinic reports that conditions such as those affecting the spinal cord, Parkinson's disease and normal pressure hydrocephalus can produce feelings of dizziness. Normal pressure hydrocephalus, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, involves the enlargement of the brain's cavities, which causes brain pressure. In addition to other complications, people with this condition may move slowly and have trouble walking. Patients who have nerve damage in their legs may also complain of dizziness due to feeling unbalanced.

    Anxiety Disorders

    • It is possible that individuals with anxiety conditions such as panic disorder may experience physical symptoms. Panic attacks, in particular, can cause sufferers to experience many frightening symptoms including a racing heart rate, shakiness, nausea, chest pain, chills, faintness and feeling they are about to die, according to the Mayo Clinic. Although people with panic disorder are in no real physiological danger, the stress and overwhelming nature of panic attacks can lead to feelings of dizziness and weakness.

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