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Lightheadedness

Lightheadedness differs from spinning dizziness. It often feels as though you may faint, become hazy or lose consciousness, especially on standing or during exertion. Causes range from harmless to serious: insufficient fluids, a drop in blood pressure, blood loss, low blood sugar, medicines, an abnormal heart rhythm or a neurological problem. Describe exactly how it feels and watch for warning signs such as chest pain, loss of neurological function, fainting or black stools.

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  • Lightheadedness often means nearly fainting, becoming hazy or feeling consciousness fade.
  • This differs from vertigo, in which everything seems to spin.
  • Common causes include insufficient fluids, low blood pressure on standing, blood loss, eating little, medicines and abnormal heart rhythms.
  • The symptom may be harmless, but can also signal something serious.
  • Sit or lie down if you think you may fall, and do not drive while symptomatic.
  • Chest pain, loss of neurological function, actual fainting or sudden collapse are emergencies.

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D
DizzinessDizziness can mean spinning, unsteadiness, light-headedness or nearly fainting. Causes range from dehydration, a drop in blood pressure and medicines to an ear, heart or neurological problem. The exact sensation, onset, duration, position and accompanying symptoms determine urgency. New stroke signs, chest pain or unconsciousness are emergencies.
F
FaintingWhen you faint, you briefly lose consciousness because the brain temporarily receives less blood. The cause is often harmless, such as standing for a long time, heat, pain or fright, but sometimes an abnormal heart rhythm or another serious condition is involved. Lay the person safely flat, check their breathing and recovery, and have warning signs assessed immediately.
L
Low blood pressureLow blood pressure is not always an illness. Some people naturally have lower blood pressure without symptoms. It becomes a problem when the brain or other organs receive too little blood. Causes range from a drop on standing and dehydration to bleeding, sepsis, heart problems or medicines. Associated falls, fainting, fever, blood loss or breathlessness determine urgency.