During hot summer days, it is not unusual to feel weak, tired, or light-headed when standing up quickly. However, not every dizzy spell means the same thing. That is why it is important to distinguish whether the cause is heat and dehydration, or true vertigo.
Vertigo is not ordinary dizziness
Patients often use the phrase that their head is spinning to describe different conditions. True vertigo, however, means a feeling as if the person or their surroundings are rotating. They may feel as if the room is spinning, tilting, or moving, even though they are standing still.
By contrast, with dehydration, overheating, or some cardiovascular problems, people more often describe weakness, unsteadiness, darkening vision, or a feeling that they may faint. The sensation that the space around them is rotating is usually absent.
In summer, insufficient fluid intake, low blood pressure, or spending too much time in the sun are common causes of similar difficulties. However, if a sensation of rotation appears, or if there are repeated episodes of marked spinning dizziness, it is also appropriate to consider disorders of the balance system.
The most common causes of vertigo
A large proportion of cases are related to the inner ear, where our natural balance organ is located.
A common cause is positional vertigo. It appears especially when turning over in bed, tilting the head back, or changing position quickly. The attack is usually intense, but lasts only a few seconds. It happens when tiny crystals in the inner ear move to a place where they do not belong.
Other causes may include inflammation of the balance nerve, inner ear conditions accompanied by ringing in the ears or impaired hearing, and migraine. Less commonly, vertigo can be a symptom of a neurological condition, such as impaired blood flow to the brain.
When is a neurological examination appropriate?
A neurologist helps especially when it is necessary to determine whether dizziness originates in the brain or nervous system.
An examination is recommended especially if dizziness is accompanied by:
- double vision,
- speech difficulties,
- weakness or numbness of the limbs,
- marked unsteadiness when walking,
- a severe new headache,
- repeated or long-lasting attacks without a clear cause.
A neurologist also treats patients with suspected vestibular migraine, impaired blood flow to the brain, or other neurological conditions that can present with dizziness.
Neurology clinic at Polyclinic Púpava
What does a neurological examination involve?
Many patients are surprised that the most important part of the examination is the conversation. The doctor will ask what the dizziness feels like, how long it lasts, what triggers it, and whether any other symptoms are present.
This is followed by a neurological examination, during which coordination, posture and gait stability, eye movements, sensation, and limb strength are assessed. Eye movement observation is also important, as it can suggest whether the problem comes from the inner ear or from the central nervous system.
In some cases, brain imaging may be needed, most often magnetic resonance imaging.
Cooperation between several specialties
Several specialists often cooperate in diagnosing dizziness.
A general practitioner or internist helps rule out low blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders, anemia, dehydration, or metabolic causes. An ENT specialist focuses on diseases of the inner ear and balance system. A neurologist assesses possible diseases of the brain and nervous system.
This cooperation makes it possible to identify the true cause of the difficulties and choose the right treatment.
Good news to finish
Many forms of vertigo are unpleasant, but respond well to treatment. For example, with positional vertigo, a series of simple guided movements of the head and body under medical supervision is often enough to return the crystals in the inner ear to the correct place.
If the world repeatedly starts spinning during summer, it should not all be blamed on the heat. Proper diagnosis can distinguish harmless causes from conditions that require medical attention.
If the difficulties persist or return repeatedly, you can contact our neurology clinic.
