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What Causes Lightheadedness And Dizziness In The Form Of Repeated Short-lasting Spells?
Question: I have had light head, dizzy, and the dizzy spells are quick like an electric shock that will come and go all day
I am 60 yrs old male
I am 60 yrs old male
Brief Answer:
Possible BPPV
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Looking at that description of lightheadedness and dizziness in the form of repeated short-lasting spells I would consider as the most probable diagnosis benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). It is one of the most common cause of dizziness and vertigo and it is related to the inner ear and displacement of christals in its canals.
It usually improves over the following weeks, symptoms can be alleviated through antihistamines like meclizine. There is also a positioning manouver called Epley manouver, which can be curative in a percentage of patients, but should be done by a physician (at least the first time).
Dehydration can often be a cause but since you say to have paid attention to hydration and enough time has passed it should have improved by now.
Neck spinal issues can also be a culprit sometimes due to compression of upper cervical nerves which are also involved in balance. However there usually are some symptoms like neck pain and stiffness.
An issue like stroke while serious is less likely in the absence of other symptoms such as issues with vision, articulating words, coordination, weakness or numbness of the limbs.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Possible BPPV
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Looking at that description of lightheadedness and dizziness in the form of repeated short-lasting spells I would consider as the most probable diagnosis benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). It is one of the most common cause of dizziness and vertigo and it is related to the inner ear and displacement of christals in its canals.
It usually improves over the following weeks, symptoms can be alleviated through antihistamines like meclizine. There is also a positioning manouver called Epley manouver, which can be curative in a percentage of patients, but should be done by a physician (at least the first time).
Dehydration can often be a cause but since you say to have paid attention to hydration and enough time has passed it should have improved by now.
Neck spinal issues can also be a culprit sometimes due to compression of upper cervical nerves which are also involved in balance. However there usually are some symptoms like neck pain and stiffness.
An issue like stroke while serious is less likely in the absence of other symptoms such as issues with vision, articulating words, coordination, weakness or numbness of the limbs.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your answer, very much appreciated
I also had bad diarrhea followed by a red rash that was itchy, this went for approx 24 hours about 4 days ago
I have just checked my blood pressure 172 over 100
I am usually a busy builder getting up on ladders but it is harder than it is usually.
Can you tell me if this is a problem
I also had bad diarrhea followed by a red rash that was itchy, this went for approx 24 hours about 4 days ago
I have just checked my blood pressure 172 over 100
I am usually a busy builder getting up on ladders but it is harder than it is usually.
Can you tell me if this is a problem
Brief Answer:
Blood pressure is high.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the additional information.
I was already aware about the diarrhea issue as you had mentioned it in the medication tried field, that is why I mentioned dehydration. However if it has resolved now, no symptoms such as fever I do not see it as a likely cause.
Your blood pressure is worrying on the other hand. It can cause some dizzines. Usually accompanied with headache in the back of the head and dizziness is more constant but not all individuals are textbook like. So I think that warrants attention as soon as possible, if that measurement value is confirmed by your physician then you'll need treatment for it.
I hope you'll feel better soon. Until you do so, I would avoid climbing ladders for the moment.
Blood pressure is high.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the additional information.
I was already aware about the diarrhea issue as you had mentioned it in the medication tried field, that is why I mentioned dehydration. However if it has resolved now, no symptoms such as fever I do not see it as a likely cause.
Your blood pressure is worrying on the other hand. It can cause some dizzines. Usually accompanied with headache in the back of the head and dizziness is more constant but not all individuals are textbook like. So I think that warrants attention as soon as possible, if that measurement value is confirmed by your physician then you'll need treatment for it.
I hope you'll feel better soon. Until you do so, I would avoid climbing ladders for the moment.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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