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What Causes Lightheadedness And Nausea?
Question: Have been feeling light headed and nauseated. When tried to rest couldnt lie on my left side as the feeling got worse. Had a bit snooze and got bit better, but still When tilt the head back feel light headed
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Lightheadedness and nausea are very nonspecific symptoms, which means they could be caused by many different conditions. However I would consider three most probable causes in your case.
Considering you mention to have recently diagnosed with heart arrhythmia that would be one possible cause as it causes alterations of blood flow and the brain can suffer as a result. So heart rhythm, possibly with an EKG should be checked.
One other very common cause especially when the symptoms change with head position is inner ear issues. The inner ear structures are very much involved in balance and their disorders can cause such symptoms, typically with vertigo, sensation of spinning movement.
Neck arthritis is another common cause, more likely if you also feel neck stiffness. That happens due to compression of nerves exiting the upper cervical spine which provide the brain with information regarding head and neck position, so their dysfunction can be associated with dizziness.
For the moment then an EKG and blood pressure measurement is advised and if no heart causes are noticed symptomatic treatment with an antihistaminic like meclizine can be started. A routine blood test for issues like anemia or low blood sugar might also be considered.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Lightheadedness and nausea are very nonspecific symptoms, which means they could be caused by many different conditions. However I would consider three most probable causes in your case.
Considering you mention to have recently diagnosed with heart arrhythmia that would be one possible cause as it causes alterations of blood flow and the brain can suffer as a result. So heart rhythm, possibly with an EKG should be checked.
One other very common cause especially when the symptoms change with head position is inner ear issues. The inner ear structures are very much involved in balance and their disorders can cause such symptoms, typically with vertigo, sensation of spinning movement.
Neck arthritis is another common cause, more likely if you also feel neck stiffness. That happens due to compression of nerves exiting the upper cervical spine which provide the brain with information regarding head and neck position, so their dysfunction can be associated with dizziness.
For the moment then an EKG and blood pressure measurement is advised and if no heart causes are noticed symptomatic treatment with an antihistaminic like meclizine can be started. A routine blood test for issues like anemia or low blood sugar might also be considered.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you so much for this. I am seeing a cardiologist which have placed a medtronic implant on me. So far showing just once a month aterial fibrillation episodes and has only happened at nights. I am on asprine and metoprolol. Any other medication could help? Also my cardiologist did some eco tests recently and result wasgood. Should i still ask for EKG test?
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the additional information.
No, if by implant you mean a cardiac monitor then no, you do not need to have an EKG, your rhythm is already being well monitored and it can easily be determined if it had any relation with the lightheadedness and nausea episodes (whether due to atrial fibrillation episodes or overslowed heart rate due to treatment with metoprolol). So you’re already receiving the best available monitoring on that regard.
In terms of extra medications, no, I wouldn’t advise any additional medication apart from the antihistaminic which I mentioned and even that only if the symptoms persist. Of course it’s only a symptomatic treatment to alleviate the symptoms and if it persists a visit will be necessary to check for other symptoms you might have missed and confirm the diagnosis.
I hope to have been of help.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the additional information.
No, if by implant you mean a cardiac monitor then no, you do not need to have an EKG, your rhythm is already being well monitored and it can easily be determined if it had any relation with the lightheadedness and nausea episodes (whether due to atrial fibrillation episodes or overslowed heart rate due to treatment with metoprolol). So you’re already receiving the best available monitoring on that regard.
In terms of extra medications, no, I wouldn’t advise any additional medication apart from the antihistaminic which I mentioned and even that only if the symptoms persist. Of course it’s only a symptomatic treatment to alleviate the symptoms and if it persists a visit will be necessary to check for other symptoms you might have missed and confirm the diagnosis.
I hope to have been of help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank very much for that. Also was wondering, I know that metoporolol slow the heart rates, but could heart rate become too low? At times mine goes to 60 or under. Is this ok?
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Yes at times drugs of the metoprolol group can excessively slow heart rate that is why I mentioned it in parenthesis in my last answer. If it does though the Medtronic monitor will evidence it.
Technically speaking the definition of normal heart rate is 60-100. However from a practical point of view a rate of over 50 is acceptable as well and shouldn't cause any symptoms, no worry. If constantly under 50 then perhaps Metoprolol use should be reconsidered.
Wishing you good health.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Yes at times drugs of the metoprolol group can excessively slow heart rate that is why I mentioned it in parenthesis in my last answer. If it does though the Medtronic monitor will evidence it.
Technically speaking the definition of normal heart rate is 60-100. However from a practical point of view a rate of over 50 is acceptable as well and shouldn't cause any symptoms, no worry. If constantly under 50 then perhaps Metoprolol use should be reconsidered.
Wishing you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you very much
Brief Answer:
You're welcome
Detailed Answer:
Glad to have been of help.
You're welcome
Detailed Answer:
Glad to have been of help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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