What Causes Lightheadedness?

Posted on Wed, 8 Oct 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 8 Oct 2014 Answered on

Wed, 5 Nov 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : every once in a while I feel light headed. No other symptoms; loss of balance, chest pain, headaches, slurring of speech. had complete work up and was determined that I was de hydrated. Been drinking lots of water. taking several meds such as blood pressure medicine as well as Lexapro for years. lasts less than a second. never happens while I exercise or play tennis. Generally when I am seated. sometimes when I get hungry

thougths?

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Assessment of head and neck blood vessels required

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.
Lightheadedness in elderly is commonly caused by vascular disorders.
Decreased blood supply to brain can result in lightheadedness and black outs.
Decreased blood supply can occur due to obstruction, vaso-vagal syncope or spasm of blood vessels.
Doppler study is required to assess the status of the blood vessels.
Consult your physician for clinical assessment and relevant investigations.

If you have more queries, I will be glad to answer.
Dr Shailja P Wahal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Shailja Puri (58 minutes later)

You are missing the point
I never feel light headed when I exetcise
All blood tests are normal , ekg and stress test are normal
No chest pain, headaches or slurred speech
My internist is not seemingly concerned

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (22 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Doppler studies will R/o vascular disorders.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,

Yes, I understand your point.
The light headedness can be due to vascular disorders of vessels supplying the brain.
Cardiovascular disorders may not be associated with chest pain and may not cause a positive stress test or any other cardiovascular test.
A Doppler study will rule out or diagnose vascular disorders of head and neck.
The light headedness could be a normal headache, however, since you are elderly, this possibility has to be ruled out.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj