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Severe Lightheadedness When Bending Down Or Moving My Head Suddenly
Posted on
Sat, 24 Aug 2019
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 24 Aug 2019
Answered on
Last reviewed on
Question : Severe lightheadedness when bending down or moving my head suddenly like turning my head
severe light headedness when bending down or a sudden movement of the head
severe light headedness when bending down or a sudden movement of the head
i have no answer yet to my original
Brief Answer:
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is a likely cause- details below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query.
Dizziness worse on head movements is often caused by benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
In this case, movements cause some precipitations to move in the area of the ear that is responsible for the balance and result in dizziness.
This is not a serious condition in itself but it may be dangerous if it results in falls.
It is important that you see your doctor and have the Dix Hallpike maneuver (certain head movements) to diagnose it.
Your doctor will also, during the visit, check your blood pressure, pulse, check your heart and lungs and also do a neurological exam to make sure these are well as well. Any neurological symptoms, if present is very important and needs to be reported (numbness or weakness in limbs or other areas, difficulty swallowing or recent changes in the vision field, etc).
Sometimes, depending on the findings the doctor may ask for some blood tests (CBC, ERS, fasting glucose, basic metabolic profile) and others (ECG or heart ultrasound).
If BPPV is diagnosed then Epley maneuver can be done in the office to help the precipitations move out of the areas that are responsible for the balance and relief the dizziness. This is an easy maneuver that brings almost total relief of the dizziness without a need for medications.
If the doctor finds any other abnormality (in the tests and examinations mentioned above), specific treatment addressing it will be needed.
Meanwhile, make sure you keep yourself hydrated (drink plenty of fluids) as low blood pressure may affect the dizziness. Also, try to stand up gradually and do slow movements so you do not get any sudden falls and risk head trauma or other bone fractures.
I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is a likely cause- details below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query.
Dizziness worse on head movements is often caused by benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
In this case, movements cause some precipitations to move in the area of the ear that is responsible for the balance and result in dizziness.
This is not a serious condition in itself but it may be dangerous if it results in falls.
It is important that you see your doctor and have the Dix Hallpike maneuver (certain head movements) to diagnose it.
Your doctor will also, during the visit, check your blood pressure, pulse, check your heart and lungs and also do a neurological exam to make sure these are well as well. Any neurological symptoms, if present is very important and needs to be reported (numbness or weakness in limbs or other areas, difficulty swallowing or recent changes in the vision field, etc).
Sometimes, depending on the findings the doctor may ask for some blood tests (CBC, ERS, fasting glucose, basic metabolic profile) and others (ECG or heart ultrasound).
If BPPV is diagnosed then Epley maneuver can be done in the office to help the precipitations move out of the areas that are responsible for the balance and relief the dizziness. This is an easy maneuver that brings almost total relief of the dizziness without a need for medications.
If the doctor finds any other abnormality (in the tests and examinations mentioned above), specific treatment addressing it will be needed.
Meanwhile, make sure you keep yourself hydrated (drink plenty of fluids) as low blood pressure may affect the dizziness. Also, try to stand up gradually and do slow movements so you do not get any sudden falls and risk head trauma or other bone fractures.
I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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