When the World Starts Spinning: Coping with Dizziness and Vertigo

Feeling dizzy is a common condition that can be caused by various factors, including low blood pressure. Low blood pressure occurs when the brain doesn’t receive enough blood and oxygen, leading to dizziness. Dehydration, inner ear problems, medication side effects, and neurological disorders are other possible causes.

Vertigo is a type of dizziness that is characterized by a sensation of spinning or whirling. It is often caused by problems in the inner ear or the brain, but it can also be triggered by a variety of factors. 

When blood pressure drops, it can reduce blood flow to the brain and cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and vertigo.

Low blood pressure can be caused by a variety of factors, including dehydration, heart problems, endocrine problems, and certain medications. In some cases, low blood pressure may be a normal variation and not cause any symptoms.

If low blood pressure is causing vertigo, treatment may involve addressing the underlying cause. For example, if dehydration is the cause, increasing fluid intake may help. If a medication is causing low blood pressure, switching to a different medication or adjusting the dosage may be necessary.

In some cases, lifestyle changes such as increasing salt intake or wearing compression stockings may be recommended to help improve blood pressure and reduce symptoms of vertigo. In more severe cases, medication such as fludrocortisone or midodrine may be prescribed to help raise blood pressure.

The Ups and Downs of Vertigo: Causes and Treatments

Here are some common triggers of vertigo that you should be aware of:

Inner ear disorders: Vertigo is often caused by disorders of the inner ear, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, and Meniere’s disease.

Migraines: Migraines can cause vertigo, as well as other symptoms such as headache, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications, can cause vertigo as a side effect.

Dehydration: Dehydration can cause dizziness and lightheadedness, which can trigger vertigo.

Anxiety and stress: Stress and anxiety can cause dizziness and contribute to symptoms of vertigo.

Head injuries: Head injuries can damage the inner ear or the nerve pathways that are responsible for balance, leading to vertigo.

Positional changes: Certain movements, such as standing up too quickly or rolling over in bed, can trigger vertigo in some people.

Alcohol and caffeine: Alcohol and caffeine can affect the inner ear and contribute to symptoms of vertigo in some people

Causes and Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure

Low blood pressure, or hypotension, can be attributed to factors such as dehydration, heart problems, blood loss, and medications. Symptoms of low blood pressure include dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, fatigue, and fainting. These symptoms can occur suddenly or gradually, depending on the underlying cause.

Concerning Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure

Certain symptoms associated with low blood pressure may require attention:

Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps it through the body. A normal blood pressure reading is around 120/80 mmHg, while low blood pressure is typically considered to be reading below 90/60 mmHg.

1. Dizziness or lightheadedness: this is one of the most common symptoms of low blood pressure. You may feel like you’re about to faint or lose your balance.
2. Fatigue: feeling tired or weak is another common symptom of low blood pressure, as the body may not be getting enough oxygen and nutrients.
3. Blurred vision: when blood pressure is too low, the eyes may not be getting enough blood flow, leading to blurry or hazy vision.
4. Nausea or vomiting: low blood pressure can also cause digestive issues, such as nausea and vomiting.
5. Rapid or shallow breathing: if the body isn’t getting enough oxygen, it may compensate by increasing the breathing rate.