What does dizzy mean

Bope ET, et al. In: Conn's Current Therapy Branch WT, et al. Approach to the patient with dizziness. Heat injury and heat exhaustion. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Muncie HL, et al. Dizziness: Approach to evaluation and management. American Family Physician. Moskowitz HS, et al. Meniere disease. Migraine information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Shepard NT expert opinion.

Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 4, Rohren CH expert opinion. July 4, Important facts about falls. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Carbon monoxide poisoning FAQs. Accessed April 9, Related Inner ear and balance. Style: MLA. More Definitions for dizzy. English Language Learners Definition of dizzy.

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Dizziness is the feeling of being lightheaded, woozy, or unbalanced. It affects the sensory organs, specifically the eyes and ears, so it can sometimes cause fainting.

Vertigo and disequilibrium may cause a feeling of dizziness, but those two terms describe different symptoms. Vertigo is characterized by a spinning sensation, like the room is moving. Disequilibrium is a loss of balance or equilibrium.

True dizziness is the feeling of lightheadedness or nearly fainting. Occasional dizziness is not something to worry about. Common causes of dizziness include a migraine, medications, and alcohol. It can also be caused by a problem in the inner ear, where balance is regulated. Dizziness is often a result of vertigo as well. The most common cause of vertigo and vertigo-related dizziness is benign positional vertigo BPV. This causes short-term dizziness when someone changes positions quickly, such as sitting up in bed after lying down.

This causes fluid to build up in the ear with associated ear fullness, hearing loss, and tinnitus. Another possible cause for dizziness and vertigo is an acoustic neuroma. This is a noncancerous tumor that forms on the nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain. In rare cases, dizziness could be caused by multiple sclerosis , a stroke, a malignant tumor, or another brain disorder. Sometimes, dizziness is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or fainting.

Seek emergency medical help if you have these symptoms for extended periods. You should call your doctor if you continue to have repeated bouts of dizziness.

You should also notify your doctor immediately if you experience sudden dizziness along with:. Your doctor can narrow down the cause of dizziness and any other symptoms by performing a physical examination. Your doctor may also check your eyes and ears, do a neurological physical exam, observe your posture, and perform tests to check balance.