Chronic dizziness, often accompanied by loss of balance and visual disorientation, can be caused by migraines, inner ear imbalances, blood flow problems, medication reactions, or anxiety. Medical evaluation is necessary for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Chronic dizziness is a medical condition in which a person experiences dizziness, usually along with loss of balance and visual disorientation, on a recurring or constant basis. Most people experience isolated moments of unexplained dizziness from time to time, but the problem is usually not considered chronic unless it occurs very frequently, usually to the point where it interferes with life or other daily activities. There can be a number of causes, but the condition is perhaps most commonly associated with migraines and inner ear imbalances. Treating these issues will usually resolve the dizziness as a matter of course. In other cases the symptoms may be indicative of blood flow problems, negative reactions or allergies to medications, or mental health problems such as acute anxiety. People who are concerned about their symptoms are usually advised to get a medical opinion and evaluation. Testing and screening are often the only way to get an accurate diagnosis, which in turn is usually the best route to effective treatment and cure.
Distinguish occasional and chronic problems
Vertigo is usually described as a spinning sensation, a sudden loss of balance, and difficulty focusing the eyes on stationary objects. Many people also associate mild nausea with the condition. It is usually considered normal for otherwise healthy individuals to feel dizzy from time to time, particularly if they change position rapidly, such as standing up quickly, or when moving, such as in a car, boat, or plane. The problem only becomes chronic when it comes and goes constantly, and usually even when the events are not related to anything definitive. People with chronic vertigo often experience bouts of disorientation when sitting perfectly still, and episodes can come and go without warning.
Relationship with migraine
Chronic dizziness often accompanies migraine. Migraines are thought to occur when blood flow to the brain decreases, a condition called vertebrobasilar insufficiency. Chronic migraine sufferers may also experience debilitating pain and residual dizziness.
Inner ear problems
Inner ear problems are also commonly linked to vertigo. This class of trouble often produces a spinning or spinning sensation. Patients may experience balance problems and difficulties when they encounter movement stimuli. When certain cells in the inner ear that sense movement change position, false signals are sent to the brain, causing sensations of spinning, loss of balance, and general dizziness. This can result from an injury to the inner ear or from illness.
Blood flow problems
Several simple problems can cause dizziness, such as allergies or reactions to medications, which can lead to dizziness related to blood imbalances. Excessive bleeding due to injury or trauma can also cause dizziness or fatigue. Sometimes the source of the bleeding is obvious, as in the case of an accident victim or a woman suffering from extremely heavy periods. Other times, internal bleeding may occur that may initially go unnoticed, with dizziness being the only noticeable symptom.
A myriad of bloodstream conditions can also cause dizziness that reaches chronic levels. For example, an abnormal heart rhythm can cause not only dizziness but also fainting. Ear or brain tumors can also cause dizziness. Problems with blood circulation may also be a culprit and could be a warning sign of more serious problems, such as an impending stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).
Anxiety
Some studies have also suggested a link between anxiety and recurring dizziness. A study conducted by Dr. Jeffrey P. Staab between 1998 and 2004 of American patients aged 15 to 89 with recurrent vertigo showed a commonality to the causes. Anxiety disorders were present in 60% of cases, and 38% of the patients’ symptoms stemmed from conditions affecting the central nervous system, such as migraine or brain injury. One third of the cases in the study were related to anxiety disorders and two thirds of the patients experienced dizziness due to a medical condition.
How to get help
Due to the wide range of possible causes of chronic vertigo, patients experiencing symptoms should see a doctor to rule out any potentially dangerous medical conditions. Additionally, the loss of balance that accompanies dizziness can lead to a fall that can lead to injury, and some conditions that present with dizziness can prove fatal if left untreated.
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