What Causes Sudden Dizziness With Clammy Skin?

Posted on Mon, 14 Jul 2014

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

Mon, 14 Jul 2014 Answered on

Sat, 9 Aug 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My husband all of a sudden feels dizzy and his skin is clammy. He does not have any chest pains or any pain what so ever. He just feels dizzy and clammy. He previously has a blood clot in his portal vein, but the doctor said that it was encapsulated and if he has sever pain in his abdomin we should go immediately to the hospital. He is saying that he has no pain. He currently is laying in bed with his eyes close and he said that he doesn't feel the spinning feeling doing that. He does not have diabetes, but I thought it might be low blood sugar so I gave him a half glass of orange juice.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
See a doctor immediately if symptoms persists...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I went through the details provided with diligence. Sudden appearance of dizziness with clammy peripheries is an indicator of low blood perfusion state (low blood pressure). A low blood sugar also mimic similar symptoms. I would rule out low blood sugar if the symptoms remained even after glass of fruit juice.

Since he has no pain in the chest, abdomen or the limbs and has no breathing difficulty, it is not likely to be intravenous blood clots.

What ever the cause might be, it needs medical attention. I would rush to the ER if symptoms persists/worsens.

Therefore in my opinion, you have two plan of action:
1. If symptoms seems to be persisting / worsening - rush to the ER.
2. If he has got better - please write back to me with details of his previous medications and current symptoms (if any).

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar