There may be several factors that cause sudden dizziness, including infection or illness, use of certain medications, and lack of adequate fluids. Heat exhaustion, which is caused by exposure to extreme temperatures while under direct sun, may also cause dizziness. A condition known as vertigo may cause an individual to feel as though his surroundings are rotating or revolving and this may last for a few seconds or several minutes.
An inner ear imbalance or infection of the middle ear may occasionally cause dizziness. A condition referred to as swimmer's ear may also produce the same symptoms. This is generally a painful condition marked by pressure inside of the ear canal. This often occurs when bacteria enter the ears of people who frequently swim. Those who suffer from this type of infection may be prone to dizziness, especially while standing. Antibiotics generally can clear up this infection when taken early on.
Some cases of dizziness are accompanied by a feeling of faintness. This may be due to lack of oxygen to the individual's brain. There may be several causes for this, but a major contributor is dehydration. A person who is ill may become dehydrated when excessive vomiting, sweating, and diarrhea occur. Once fluids have been replenished, the body will typically recuperate and dizzy spells should disappear.
Sudden dizziness may be a warning sign of an impending cardiac arrest. This is not always the case, but in conjunction with other symptoms, there could be a connection. If other symptoms are present, such as shortness of breath and tightness in the chest, immediate medical care should be sought.
Some individuals who are sensitive to certain medications may suffer from dizziness after these drugs enter the bloodstream. Allergic reactions to many prescription drugs may also cause dizziness along with other symptoms that may be more serious. Excessive alcohol consumption may also be a cause of lightheadedness and dizziness. This may also occur if the use of alcohol is combined with certain medications.
There are some individuals who are prone to dizziness when under extreme physical or emotional stress. Fear and anxiety, as well as panic attack disorders may also cause sudden dizziness. These symptoms of sudden dizziness are generally resolved by learning effective ways to manage stress and anxiety.
Hunger or fasting for an extended amount of time may 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 dizziness.