What is Lightheadedness?
Lightheadedness is a common and typically unpleasant sensation of dizziness or a feeling that one may faint. The sensation of lightheadedness can be short-lived, prolonged, or, rarely, recurring. In addition to dizziness, the individual may feel as though his or her head is weightless.
Our innovative care strategies at Goldman Physical Therapy will help you find quick relief.
What are the symptoms of lightheadedness?
As with most conditions, the symptoms each person experiences may vary. However, after an episode, most people with a history of lightheadedness have indicated feelings of:
- Allergic reactions
- Faintness or grogginess
- The sensation of spinning or motion sickness
- Lightheadedness is similar to and sometimes confused with vertigo, the illusion in which a person feels as if he/she or the surrounding environment is in motion.
What causes lightheadedness?
One of the primary causes of lightheadedness is when an individual stands too quickly; the result is a rapid decrease in blood pressure or orthostatic hypotension (nOH). In most instances, the feeling subsides rapidly and changing to a sitting position usually facilitates the recovery time. However, there are a variety of reasons an otherwise healthy person may experience it such as:
- Allergic reactions
- Dehydration
- Drug use (including alcohol, tobacco, or prescription and non-prescription medications)
- Extreme temperatures (being exposed to excessive heat for extended periods)
- Mental health issues (anxiety or stress disorders)
- Sickness (common conditions including colds, cases of the flu, or decreased blood glucose levels)
Individuals experiencing frequent lightheadedness should consult a medical physician for proper diagnosis. There are a variety of examinations used to determine the underlying cause of the condition including:
- Blood tests to determine any heart conditions or infections
- A feeling of lightheadedness or feeling faint
- Various balance and hearing tests
While light headedness does not usually require medical attention, many physicians advise a course of prescription drugs, lifestyle changes, routine exercise, or therapy when the condition is persistent. If light headedness is the result of a serious illness, more intensive treatment, in extreme cases, surgery, may provide a long-term solution.
Serious medical conditions are most often characterized by less common or more unique symptoms, lightheadedness may also result from illnesses including, but not limited to:
- Anemia
- Craniocerebral traumas (traumatic brain injury)
- Disturbed eating habits (anorexia, bulimia, binge or overeating)
- Heart conditions (arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, heart attacks, or strokes)
- Loss of blood or internal bleeding
- Neurological disorders (epilepsy, muscular dystrophy or sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease)
Prevent future life-threatening accidents with physical therapy
The painless and non-invasive treatments at Goldman Physical Therapy can help you prevent accidents caused by lightheadedness. Request your appointment or free screening today!