There can be several factors that cause sudden dizziness, such as infection or illness, use of certain medications, and lack of adequate fluids. Heat exhaustion, which is caused by exposure to extreme temperatures in direct sun, can also cause sudden dizziness. A condition known as vertigo can cause an individual to feel like their surroundings are spinning or spinning and this can last for a few seconds to several minutes.
An inner ear imbalance or middle ear infection can occasionally cause dizziness. A condition called swimmer's ear can also cause the same symptoms. This is generally a painful condition marked by pressure within the ear canal. This often occurs when bacteria get into the ears of people who swim often. Those who suffer from this type of infection may be prone to sudden dizziness, especially while standing up. Antibiotics can usually clear this infection when taken early.
Some cases of sudden dizziness are accompanied by a feeling of fainting. This may be due to a lack of oxygen to the individual's brain. There can be several causes for this, but a major contributor is dehydration. A person who is sick can become dehydrated when excessive vomiting, sweating, and diarrhea occur. Once the fluids are replenished, the body will usually recover and the dizziness should go away.
Sudden dizziness can be a warning sign of impending cardiac arrest. This is not always the case, but along with other symptoms, there could be a connection. If there are other symptoms, such as shortness of breath and chest tightness, immediate medical attention should be sought.
Some people who are sensitive to certain medications may experience dizziness after these medications enter the bloodstream. Allergic reactions to many prescription drugs can also cause sudden dizziness along with other symptoms that can be more serious. Excessive alcohol consumption can also cause lightheadedness and dizziness. This can also happen if the use of alcohol is combined with certain medications.
There are some people who are prone to dizziness when under extreme physical or emotional stress. Fear and anxiety as well as panic attack disorders can also cause sudden dizziness. These sudden dizziness symptoms usually resolve by learning effective ways to manage stress and anxiety.
Starvation or fasting for a long period of time can also produce symptoms of dizziness. This is due to a drop in blood sugar levels, which can make a person feel unsteady, weak, and dizzy. Eating nutritional snacks between regularly scheduled balanced meals is a good way to counteract the effects of motion sickness.