How Dizziness Arises and What Helps?

Dizziness is quite common and can have many different causes. You can find out here what these are and how to treat dizziness.

What’s dizziness?

Dizziness (vertigo) is a disturbance of the sense of balance. We have the feeling that everything revolves and swings around us. Often we also feel black in the face – which increases the risk of falls and fainting and symptoms such as nausea. This is because the brain can no longer properly coordinate the information conveyed by different sensory impressions. Dizziness can be both temporary and can become chronic.

Balance disorders and dizziness increase with age

About one in six of all patients report dizziness to their doctors. The rule is: The higher the age, the more likely the complaints become. However, Vertigo itself is not a disease but a symptom – dizziness is usually caused by neurological problems. The most common form of vertigo is what is known as positional vertigo, for example, when one stands up too quickly and thus upsets the organ of equilibrium. Older people between 50 and 60 are most likely to suffer from so-called positional vertigo, which can be caused by an inflammation of the organ of equilibrium.

What can cause dizziness?

If the organ of balance is not the cause of dizziness, the following other causes of dizziness may be present:

• Diseases of the ears
• Anxiety disorders
• Cardiovascular diseases

Dizziness as a psychological burden

People who often suffer from dizziness often feel that they are not taken seriously by their surroundings – although a sudden dizzy spell can have serious consequences in everyday life, for example when the person concerned is driving a car.

Treatment: Which therapy helps with dizziness?

To be able to treat dizziness sensibly, the doctor must first determine the possible causes. In some cases, medication can help to reduce constant dizziness, while other patients may need physiotherapy or psychotherapy. Dizziness caused by age can be controlled by physical and mental activity – this stimulates the blood flow to the inner ear.

Can I prevent vertigo?

Regular training of the organ of balance, for example standing on one leg frequently when brushing your teeth, reduces the risk of dizziness. Sport, sufficient fluid intake, adequate sleep and stress reduction can also help.