People suffering from dizziness often describe it as: “when I bend or stand up,” “when I turn in bed,” “it feels like the ground is slipping under my feet,” “everything is spinning around me.”
Approximately one-quarter of the world’s population experiences dizziness. What about you—do you experience dizziness?
Dizziness can be a key symptom of many conditions, ranging from simple anemia to more serious diseases. It often results from impaired coordination between the visual system, proprioceptive system, vestibular apparatus, and central nervous system, leading to balance disorders.
Types of Dizziness
1. Vestibular (systemic) dizziness – Vertigo
Vertigo is divided into peripheral and central types:
a) Peripheral vertigo
Occurs in inner and middle ear disorders such as Ménière’s disease and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
Symptoms may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of balance
- Hearing impairment
- Horizontal-rotatory nystagmus
b) Central vertigo
Seen in conditions such as:
- Cerebral circulation disorders
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- Stroke
- Brain tumors
- Traumatic brain injury
- Brain infections
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Vestibular migraine
Symptoms may include:
- Persistent dizziness
- Double vision
- Speech disorders (dysarthria)
- Ataxia
- Numbness and weakness in limbs
- Autonomic dysfunction
- Vertical nystagmus
- Frequent falls
2. Non-vestibular (non-systemic) dizziness
This type may result from:
- Stress and anxiety
- Sudden changes in blood pressure or blood sugar
- Various systemic conditions
Causes include:
a) Cardiovascular diseases
Blood pressure fluctuations, arrhythmias, orthostatic hypotension
b) Metabolic disorders
Hypoglycemia, hyperthyroidism
c) Viral infections
d) Medication-induced dizziness
Antihypertensives, calcium channel blockers, benzodiazepines
e) Cervical spine degeneration
Compression of vertebral arteries and atherosclerosis may cause vertebrobasilar insufficiency.
Symptoms:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Limited mobility
- Tinnitus
- Memory issues
- Dizziness
⚠️ Long-term, this condition may increase stroke risk by up to 25%.
f) Psychogenic causes
Stress, depression, hyperventilation syndrome
g) Other causes
Dehydration, iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency
Diagnosis
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. In acute cases, hospitalization may be required.
Diagnostic methods:
- Medical history and neurological examination
- Blood tests
- CT or MRI
- Doppler ultrasound of head and neck vessels
- Dark-field microscopy (live blood analysis)
Treatment
A comprehensive approach may include:
- Detoxification and infusion therapy
- Acupuncture and biopuncture
- Homeosiniatry
- Ozone and oxygen therapy
- Craniosacral osteopathy
- Psychotherapy
- Anemia correction
- Epley maneuver
- Vasoactive and antivertigo medications
- Hydration restoration
- Breathing exercises
Conclusion
If you frequently experience dizziness, do not delay consulting a doctor. Early diagnosis helps prevent complications and shortens treatment duration.
Integrative medicine focuses not only on symptoms but also on identifying root causes and creating individualized treatment plans.
Aygun Mammadova
Neurologist, Osteopath
Specialist in Integrative Medicine
📞 Contact: (+994 12 / +994 50 / +994 55 / +994 70) 430 89 89
📍 Baku, 3rd microdistrict, Pishavari 110 (near Memar Ajami metro station)
