Giddiness

What are the common causes of giddiness?

The causes of giddiness can be due to many things. Anything that affects the balance system of the body can cause giddiness.

Our sense of balance depends on combined input from various sensory organs.  This includes the brain, inner ear, eyes and circulatory system. 

What inner ear problems cause giddiness?

Inner ear problems usually cause vertigo. Vertigo is a false sensation of your surroundings moving or spinning. 

Common causes of inner ear problems that cause giddiness are:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
  This condition causes a transient vertigo that is usually triggered by change in head movement. It sometimes occurs after a head injury 
• Infection of the vestibular nerve
  This is also known as vestibular neuronitis and can cause vertigo that lasts for awhile
• Migraine
  There are some people who have migraine episodes that manifests as vertigo. These episodes may be associated with headaches and usually there are triggering events. 
• Meniere’s disease
  This condition causes episodic vertigo that may occur together with tinnitus and hearing loss

Is giddiness a serious problem?

Giddiness can be serious as it can increase the risk of falling and injuries. Giddiness if due to brain related issues (such as a stroke) is considered to be an emergency and immediate medical attention should be sought.