Many Things Can Cause a Person to Suffer a Feeling of Lightheadedness

Lightheadedness is a feeling that many people will feel multiple times throughout their lives. It can actually refer to a number of different but similar feelings in the head. In some cases people will feel faint, often to the point of feeling like they may pass out. In other cases they could feel a varying level of dizziness. 

In some cases, lightheadedness will occur due to some basic movements and life events. In other cases it might be due to a temporary illness or a condition like Vertigo. When lightheadedness passes quickly, it’s manageable. Typically someone can sit or lie down for a little bit and it will pass. If it doesn’t, then it’s possibly a more serious condition and is going to need some medical attention. 

Causes of Lightheadedness

When it comes to lightheadedness, most cases are light and have a specific cause. That’s a quick drop in blood pressure called orthostatic hypotension. Typically this occurs when a person stands up after having been prone or sitting for a long time. Quick positional changes can cause this, but sitting back down and resting for a few minutes can make things good again. 

There are also many other conditions which might cause lightheadedness. These may be common and mild or more severe. Some of them include: 

• Anxiety and Stress - These mental health conditions can affect a person’s blood pressure. 
• Hyperventilating - This affects blood flow and makes sense that it can cause lightheadedness. 
• Allergies - Yet another common cause of lightheadedness, this can depend on the type of allergy and severity of the allergy. 
• Dehydration - People who are lacking water can start to lack correct blood pressure. 
• Low Blood Sugar - Diabetics have likely experienced a degree of lightheadedness once their blood sugar has dropped out of comfortable and healthy ranges. 
• Medications - There’s a wide number which may trigger lightheadedness as a side effect. 
• Heart Attack - Lightheadedness is one symptom/result of suffering from a heart attack. 
• Inner Ear Problems - Those who have one of a number of disorders in the inner ear could find they are suffering from frequent lightheadedness. 
• Anemia - This condition is one in which a person lacks iron within their blood. 
• Head Injuries - Physical damage to the head and concussions can cause a person to deal with lightheadedness. 
• Neurological Conditions - This can be a number of problems including multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. 

Despite this list being long, it’s still only a short one when it comes to potential causes. There are still many others that a person might need to look out for. 

Treating Lightheadedness

For minor cases of lightheadedness, people can often take multiple steps to ensure that they are avoiding suffering from the worst of it. A simple step that can be taken is to get up slowly if they are sitting or laying down rather than rapidly getting up. People should work on their overall health as well. Avoid harmful substances like alcohol, caffeine or smoking. It’s good to ensure that you balance your diet, and drink lots of water. Stay hydrated when you’re exerting yourself, especially during a workout. 

For people who consistently have issues with lightheadedness, their doctor may prescript a treatment. Medications are a common option and will be targeted at a specific potential cause. In addition a doctor may suggest physical therapy to improve their balance and get their physical health into a better shape. Psychotherapy can be prescribed to assist people who are suffering from mental health issues like anxiety. Learning to handle stress and anxiety in a healthy way can really help to treat some lightheadedness for these people.