Red flags for dizziness can include sudden or severe dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, or a sensation of spinning or swaying. Other accompanying symptoms, such as hearing loss, visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty walking or standing, can also indicate a more serious underlying cause that should be investigated.
Sudden or severe dizziness is one of the most concerning red flags for dizziness. This type of dizziness can be caused by a variety of conditions, such as inner ear infections, head injuries, or strokes. It can also be a sign of a serious heart condition, such as arrhythmia, or a brain disorder, such as a tumor or aneurysm.
Feeling faint or lightheaded can also be a sign of an underlying condition. This type of dizziness can be caused by low blood sugar, dehydration, or low blood pressure. It can also be a sign of anemia, heart disease, or liver or kidney disease.
A sensation of spinning or swaying can also be a red flag for dizziness. This type of dizziness is called vertigo and is usually caused by an inner ear infection or a head injury. It can also be caused by certain medications or an underlying neurological condition, such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease.
In addition to the above symptoms, other red flags for dizziness include hearing loss, visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty walking or standing. These can all be signs of serious underlying conditions, such as a stroke, an infection, or a tumor. If any of these symptoms occur, it is important to seek medical attention right away.