Dizziness

There Are 5 Categories of Dizziness

 #1 Vertigo makes you feel like you or your environment is spinning out of control to the left or the right.

 #2 Dysequilibrium involves unsteadiness, gait disturbance (how well you walk), or general imbalance. 

 #3 Presyncope is a feeling of faintness or light-headedness.

 #4 Mixed dizziness is a combination of two or more of the above types.

 #5 Nonspecific dizziness does not fit into any of the other categories. For example, symptoms might include the inability to focus the eyes, which may be related to muscle conditions.

Causes for chronic dizziness are more challenging to diagnose as chronic dizziness may involve multiple systems in the body, especially as we age, and psychiatric disorders, particularly anxiety and depression. 

Possible Causes of Dizziness

Our eyes continually focus on moving scenery, and our ears help orient our bodies where movement is concerned. When dysfunction or disease occurs in either one, conflicting signals are sent to the brain. The brain becomes confused when the eyes and ears are not telling the same story. The result is anything from a slight imbalance to a whirling, falling sensation as the brain tries to unscramble the message and send an appropriate "picture". Muscle tension may also cause imbalance and, dizziness, even vertigo. In the case of Meniere's Disease, it feels more like the room is spinning. With muscle tension, it feels more like you are spinning, which makes it easy to understand how muscle tension and Meniere's can spell disaster.

Most instances of acute dizziness are recognized, regardless of the age of the individual, as most likely caused by the vestibular nerve, which connects the vestibular system to the Central Nervous System (CNS), cardiovascular system (heart, circulation, and blood), or proprioceptive reasons (skeleton, joints, and muscles). Balance depends on all of our complex networks working correctly. These networks rely on our heart, lungs, metabolism, and thoughts (psychology) to function.

Our eyes and ears also help us to determine whether we are right side up or upside down. In addition, they help to orient us in space, especially when some of our other systems aren't working so well. Any problems with the eyes or ears can cause dizziness. 

Whiplash, injuries, cervical degenerative diseases, and brain stem problems (the cerebellum, the back part of the brain) can impair the function of the cervical mechanoreceptors. Mechanoreceptors send proper messages to the brain about our body position. If these messages are incorrect because the nerves are not working correctly, the brain is confused, and we become physically unstable. The result is disorientation and dizziness.

The Herpes Simplex Virus causes inflammation in the sacral nerves, which can potentially cause balance problems or dizziness. Anything that causes low functioning of the spinal nerves is considered a Central Nervous System (CNS) disorder. Anything obstructing the spine and its network of nerves from working can also cause confusion, fatigue, shortness of breath, decreased brain function, or reduced oxygen to the brain or other body areas. These things can make one feel off-balance or dizzy.

Sometimes, problems with the feet can cause dizziness if there is numbness or nerve damage in the toes or the heels of the feet, which is because feet keep us "on our toes", so to speak, and help us stay balanced.

• A build-up of salicylates in your bloodstream from plant foods, processed foods, and hygiene products can cause dizziness, balance problems, and vertigo. A list of foods and substances containing salicylates is provided in my free guide. The Oxalates & Salicylates Foods & Substances Lists.
• Allergies and sinus infections
• Muscle tension (on the neck, shoulders, and back)
• Pinched nerves (from Arthritis, Osteoporosis, or an injury)
• Tinnitus Syndrome and Meniere's Disease
• Fibromyalgia Syndrome
• Anxiety and panic disorder
• Fatigue
• Hormonal disorders  
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (see below)
• Stomach upset (indigestion, nausea, food sensitivities, allergies, harmful gut bacteria, gas, Leaky Gut Syndrome, and IBS)
• Other things that can make you feel dizzy are Anemia, Hypoglycemia, Diabetes, electrolyte disorders (too many or not enough minerals or salts in the body), Hypothyroidism, Menopause, poor pH, cardiac arrhythmias, medications (prescription and over-the-counter), fatigue, dehydration, and posture problems.

Spiritual/Psychological Causes of Dizziness or Vertigo: Worry and fear, both conscious and subconscious

Associated Chakra: The 6th Chakra/The Indigo Aura Color Personality

Associated Temperament: Choleric

Associated Energy Meridian: Small Intestine

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is the most common cause of dizziness from an inner ear problem. Dizziness is caused by dislodged salt crystals (calcium crystals) in internal ear fluid. They move through the inner ear fluid during specific head movements causing dizziness or vertigo. Head trauma or whiplash injury, aging of the inner ear, Meniere's Syndrome, Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS), Vestibular Neuronitis, and Labyrinthitis are all common causes of this disorder. Meniere's is considered idiopathic, meaning medical science does not know the reason. 

"A person with BPPV frequently will awake with vertigo, which occurs when rolling over in bed or sitting up, or looking up on a shelf. It may wake the person from sleep by turning over while asleep. Movement of the head will make the dizziness worse. Vertigo will usually stop after 30-60 seconds by keeping your head still. Symptoms occur while lying in bed, rolling over, looking up on a shelf, downward to the side, or lying back to have one's hair washed. Symptoms are generally not constant and improve throughout the day if the provoking position isn't performed. Symptoms include vertigo attacks, disequilibrium, unsteadiness, nausea, disorientation, and occasionally a "spacey" or detached feeling. As a rule, BPPV patients do not experience hearing loss, ear fullness, or head noise. If these symptoms do exist, a second inner ear problem likely exists (Dennis I. Bojrab, MD - Michigan Ear Institute)".

The "Cerebellum & Vertigo" Home Test

The cerebellum is the back part of the brain that controls our coordinated movements. You can perform a test to see if you have cerebellar problems. First, stand with your feet together and your eyes closed. Next, touch your index finger to your nose with your eyes closed, walk heel to toe, moving the fingers rapidly as if playing the piano, or touch all your fingers to your thumb as fast as possible (one at a time in order). Have someone watch you. If you sway back and forth, you may have a problem with your cerebellum. These tests and others by your doctor can determine the functionality of your cerebellum. Therapies for the cerebellum include heat therapy, chiropractic adjustment, and eye exercises.

Let Your Doctor Know What You Are Experiencing

Keep a journal on what you eat each day and what you're doing when you get dizzy. Keeping a journal will help you to recognize patterns. It also helps to note any specific stressful events during the day. Then, let your doctor know your findings.

Dizziness is treated with prescription medicines, such as Meclizine or Diazepam. However, these help little with chronic dizziness and may even worsen matters because they suppress Central Nervous System (CNS) adaptation. Your body naturally adapts to whatever is making you dizzy. Unfortunately, when taking these medications, it can't. ​