Persistent dizziness in women and men with weakness, nausea, headache

Many of us have at least once in our lives experienced such an unpleasant condition as dizziness. Noise in the ears, sudden weakness, the floor "runs away" from under your feet, the surrounding environment seems to move in a circle - all this is felt by a person who is dizzy. Frequent dizziness can lead to a persistent loss of ability to work and even to the development of depression, because in such a state it is difficult to concentrate on anything and perform any actions. Constant dizziness is especially annoying, moreover, it may indicate the presence of serious health problems. In case of constant dizziness, a doctor's consultation should be mandatory.

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Epidemiology

Neurologists often hear complaints about dizziness from patients. This symptom is observed in 5-30% of patients of different age categories, regardless of gender.

Constant dizziness may indicate a number of different pathologies – from mild cases to severe and complex diseases. Today, there is information on eight dozen nosological units, the course of which is accompanied by the appearance of dizziness.

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Causes constant dizziness

Non-systemic type of persistent dizziness can be caused by:

• Meniere's disease;
• deposition of calcium salts in the inner ear;
• inflammatory process in the labyrinth;
• an inflammatory process affecting the vestibular nerve ( vestibular neuronitis );
• circulatory disorders in the brain;
• tumor processes in the cerebellum or brainstem;
• neuroma;
• encephalitis;
• multiple sclerosis.

Non-systemic dizziness is caused by low blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, and the use of certain medications (for example, sedatives and barbiturates).

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Risk factors

Dizziness may accompany the following painful conditions:

• osteochondrosis;
• low blood pressure;
• cerebral vascular sclerosis;
• tumor processes in the brain;
• prolonged lack of food, hypoglycemic attack in diabetics;
• traumatic skull injury;
• vestibular disorders, motion sickness;
• psychogenic disorders;
• taking certain medications that affect the nervous system and blood pressure;
• cerebral vascular ischemia.

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Pathogenesis

According to pathogenetic features, three types of constant dizziness are distinguished.

1. The systemic type of constant dizziness is related to vestibular disorders:

• peripheral labyrinth disorder that occurs with pathology of the inner ear (inflammation, Meniere's disease);
• central damage to the links connecting the labyrinth with brain structures, which ensures a sense of balance (such damage occurs with a sharp drop in blood circulation in the brain, which is associated with a stroke or tumor processes).

2. The non-systemic type of constant dizziness has nothing to do with damage to the labyrinth and its interaction with brain structures:

• occurs with vertebral injuries in the cervical spine (for example, with osteochondrosis);
• develops as a consequence of neuroses, depressive states, stress.

3. Physiological type of dizziness – is an external irritation of the vestibular apparatus (for example, motion sickness during travel or after drinking alcoholic beverages).

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Symptoms constant dizziness

Constant dizziness is not a disease, but a symptom that often accompanies many neurological and other pathologies.

The first signs are often expressed as follows:

• a feeling of rotation of surrounding objects appears;
• a feeling of lack of stability arises;
• there is a disturbance of spatial orientation;
• gait is impaired, and falls become more frequent;
• nausea occurs, even to the point of vomiting;
• During an attack, the heart rate increases and sweating increases.

The appearance of other symptoms depends on the underlying cause of the dizziness.

• Constant dizziness and nausea, which increase when turning the head, hearing impairment, spontaneous horizontal nystagmus are signs of vestibular inflammation - neuritis. Additional signs usually include: suddenness of the attack and its duration (from a couple of hours to several days), oscillopsia.
• Constant light dizziness against the background of periodic pain in the neck area - this symptom indicates the presence of cervical osteochondrosis. With this disease, headaches are often observed (especially after a sharp turn of the neck), sleep disorders, deterioration of vision, general weakness.
• Severe constant dizziness in old age is a consequence of atherosclerotic changes in the vessels of the brain. Such patients experience memory impairment, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, and decreased ability to work. Over time, the disease progresses.
• Constant headaches and dizziness occur with a tendency to high blood pressure. Increased pressure leads to circulatory disorders in the brain and heart. This is manifested by additional symptoms: the appearance of "flies" before the eyes, ringing in the ears, difficulty breathing.
• Constant dizziness and weakness often indicate the presence of diabetes. Accompanying symptoms include: frequent thirst and hunger, frequent urination, dry mouth, headaches, sweating. To clarify the diagnosis, it is necessary to take a blood test to assess the sugar level.
• Constant drowsiness and dizziness occur with low blood pressure - hypotension. Patients with this diagnosis often complain of weakness, constant drowsiness, which results in a sharp impairment of performance.
• Constant noise in the head, dizziness - these are typical signs of anemia (low hemoglobin level in the blood). Other symptoms of anemia are pale skin, a feeling of fatigue and weakness.
• Constant dizziness and a ticking noise in the ears may indicate the development of vestibular paroxysmia, which develops as a result of compression of the vestibulocochlear nerve. Similar symptoms are characteristic of Meniere's disease, which also causes a feeling of pressure in the affected ear, as well as hearing loss on one side.
• Heart pain, constant dizziness – such symptoms are often indirect manifestations of myocardial infarction. The pain is transient and often “radiates” to the shoulder, arm, shoulder blade or neck. Additional symptoms include shortness of breath, pale skin (especially on the face). Infarction should be differentiated from cardiomyopathy, the typical symptoms of which are pain behind the breastbone, dizziness, swelling, a feeling of fatigue, and a bluish tint on the lips.

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Constant dizziness with osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is usually accompanied by impaired blood circulation and deterioration of blood flow to the brain, which provokes the occurrence of constant dizziness. Such symptoms are a consequence of compression of the vertebral arterial vessels.

If osteochondrosis is diagnosed, the doctor may recommend taking the following medications:

• Cavinton is a drug that dilates blood vessels and improves metabolic processes in brain tissue. Cavinton accelerates the delivery of glucose to the brain and stimulates blood circulation.
• Mydocalm is a muscle relaxant with central action. It inhibits reflex excitability of the spinal cord, relieves pain and spasms.
• Vinpocetine is a drug that improves blood circulation in the brain: it improves its susceptibility to hypoxia and dilates cerebral vessels.

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Constant dizziness with VSD

With vegetative-vascular dystonia, periodic fluctuations in blood pressure and a slowdown in metabolic processes are observed. Constant dizziness indicates that the central nervous system suffers from a deficiency of oxygen and nutrients.

To get rid of unpleasant sensations, doctors recommend using the following medications:

• Glycine (Glycised) is an amino acid that improves metabolic reactions in brain tissue, has a calming effect, and normalizes sleep.
• Vinpocetine is a medication that has a positive effect on blood circulation in the brain. It has antioxidant activity.
• Memoplant is a herbal remedy that ensures the outflow of excess fluid from brain tissue, expands the lumen of small vessels, and improves muscle tone. The drug requires long-term use - at least 2 months.

Constant dizziness in women

Women may suffer from constant dizziness during their periods or during menopause. It is during these periods that instability of blood pressure and significant hormonal changes are often observed.

If we are talking about the listed cases, then the following medications will help solve the problem of dizziness:

• Drotaverine – eliminates muscle spasms, prevents oxygen starvation of brain tissue, relieves headaches.
• Tempalgin is an analgesic and antipyretic agent with a slight sedative effect.
• Novo-passit is a herbal preparation that is prescribed for irritability, sleep disorders, migraines, and climacteric syndrome.

Other causes of unpleasant and constant dizziness in women often include:

• limited nutrition, strict diets;
• frequent stressful situations, worries, fears;
• lack of sleep;
• long-term use of certain medications (for example, sedatives or sleeping pills).

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Constant dizziness during pregnancy

Women often experience dizziness during pregnancy. There are many reasons for this condition:

• lowering of pressure;
• unusual overloads for the body;
• significant changes in hormonal activity;
• restructuring of the circulatory system;
• increased tone of the vagus nerve.

Taking any medications during this period is contraindicated. However, safe homeopathy can come to the rescue - but only after consulting a medical specialist.

For example, Vertigo-Hel has good reviews: it can be used to treat both the elderly and children. We will tell you more about it in the section on treating constant dizziness.

In addition, during pregnancy it is important to take additional vitamins, especially B vitamins.

Some doctors recommend taking an amino acid drug such as Glycine. The drug acts as a mediator in the central nervous system. It is safe even during pregnancy, when taking anticholinergic drugs is highly undesirable.

Constant dizziness in men

Men may feel dizzy from constant physical exertion, from prolonged overstrain of the nervous system, from bad habits and an unhealthy lifestyle, from regular stress and poor nutrition.

In older men, constant dizziness is most often associated with changes in the blood vessels of the brain - these changes in most cases are the result of a long history of smoking, drinking alcohol, eating fatty foods and fast food.

In order to improve blood circulation in the vessels of the brain in men, the doctor may prescribe Betaserk - a medication that stabilizes the excitation of the vestibular apparatus, affecting histamine receptors.

In old age, it is appropriate to use drugs to normalize the blood supply to the brain. Thus, the most popular drugs in this category for a long time have been Cinnarizine, Cavinton and Nicergoline.

In case of cerebral vascular ischemia, it is possible to prescribe antiplatelet agents – medications based on acetylsalicylic acid.

Angioprotective agents, which include preparations based on horse chestnut and Ginkgo Biloba extract, also have a positive effect.

Complications and consequences

If your head spins frequently and/or constantly, then the following unforeseen situations may arise:

• loss of consciousness;
• bruises, falls, fractures;
• head injuries.

Constant dizziness is a symptom that does not pose a potential danger to life in itself. However, the pathology that causes dizziness can cause much more terrible consequences - up to malignant neoplasms, infectious complications and vascular integrity damage. Therefore, if your head spins often or even constantly, it is better to consult a doctor. Unfortunately, most patients seek medical help too late, when it is no longer possible to improve their health.

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Diagnostics constant dizziness

To get rid of an unpleasant symptom, it is necessary to find the reason for its appearance. And for this, it is necessary to undergo a serious and thorough examination.

The assessment of patient complaints is based on the following questions:

• How often do attacks occur?
• How long ago did they appear and after what?
• What other symptoms accompany an attack?
• Do you experience hearing or vision loss, ringing in the ears, nausea, ear discharge, or pain?

Next, the doctor examines the patient for the presence of neurological disorders, meaning changes in muscle tone, impaired swallowing, nystagmus, etc.

Blood tests are especially informative when dizziness is caused by an infectious process in the body, anemia, atherosclerosis. In such cases, signs of an inflammatory reaction, low hemoglobin levels, and high cholesterol levels in the blood are detected.

Additionally, other analyses are carried out:

• hematocrit, determination of blood clotting quality (coagulogram);
• determination of fasting blood sugar levels.

Instrumental diagnostics are most often represented by the following types of research:

• Ultrasound of the brain (allows to assess the blood supply to the brain).
• Computer tomography and MRI (helps to detect tumor processes, inflammatory changes, etc.).
• Tonal audiometry (determines any changes in the hearing organs).
• X-ray of the cervical spine.
• X-ray of the foramen magnum and craniovertebral region.

Often, consultations with other specialists are required: neurologist, ophthalmologist, otolaryngologist, neurosurgeon, endocrinologist.

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Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnostics are carried out with all diseases and conditions that are in principle capable of causing this symptom. These are diseases of the vestibular apparatus, inner ear, tumor processes, neurological pathologies, etc.

Treatment constant dizziness

The treatment is carried out by a neurologist. To begin with, he will definitely recommend paying attention to your lifestyle and making certain adjustments to it. For example, you should give up smoking and drinking alcohol. In addition, it is advisable not to provoke dizziness and avoid sudden changes in the position of the body, deep bends and intense movements. Staying at heights (especially on an open surface) is not recommended.

During an attack of dizziness, you should sit down or lie down, focusing your gaze on one stationary object. It is better not to close your eyes. If possible, you need to provide an influx of fresh air.

If you experience constant dizziness, you should always have the medication prescribed by your doctor with you.

Treatment should always be prescribed only by a medical specialist: he will analyze the diagnostic results and select the necessary medications.

Medicines

If dizziness occurs most often in the morning or during physical activity, you can consult a doctor about taking the medications listed below. A doctor's recommendation should be mandatory, since dizziness can also occur for quite dangerous reasons, such as stroke, tumor processes, and diseases of the central nervous system. An accurate diagnosis is important - this will help you choose the right medication.

• Nicergoline is a tablet that is often used to treat cerebral circulatory disorders, migraines, and cerebral atherosclerosis. The tablets are taken orally, 1 tablet three times a day. The duration of treatment is at least 3 months. In some cases, the drug can lower blood pressure.
• Betahistine is a drug that helps with vestibular dizziness of various etiologies. Betahistine is taken 1-2 tablets, three times a day. The drug has virtually no side effects and is well tolerated by most patients. However, it should not be taken during pregnancy and throughout the lactation period.
• Flunarizine is a calcium channel blocker. It is especially recommended for the treatment of dizziness caused by cerebral circulatory disorders or vestibular disorders. It is enough to take Flunarizine once a day, at night (the drug sometimes causes drowsiness, so taking it before bedtime smooths out this side effect). The duration of use is determined individually.
• Piracetam is a drug that optimizes energy processes, increases hypoxic and toxic resistance of the central nervous system. The dosage of the drug is determined individually, the treatment lasts at least 6-8 weeks. In some cases, Piracetam can cause sleep disorders, dyspepsia (mainly when taking more than 5 g of the drug per day).

Cause of dizziness	Medicines
Kogan's syndrome, vestibular neuronitis	Corticosteroids (for the treatment of neuronitis, Prednisolone in an initial amount of 100 mg with a subsequent reduction by 20 mg every three days). Kogan's solution requires the administration of the drug at a rate of 1 mg per kg of weight.
Vestibular migraine	Beta-blockers (eg, Propranolol 80-160 mg daily).
Meniere's disease	Diuretics (Acetazolamide 250 mg per day), Betahistine 48 mg per day.
Psychogenic vertigo	Drugs that selectively inhibit serotonin reuptake (Paroxetine 20 mg per day).
Vestibular paroxysmia	Anticonvulsants (Carbamazepine 200-400 mg per day).

Vitamins

To improve the general condition with constant dizziness, it is better to supplement traditional treatment with vitamins. They can be consumed in their natural form, diversifying the diet with various healthy products, or you can buy pharmacy multivitamin preparations.

To eliminate dizziness, doctors advise paying attention to the following medications:

• Complivit is a complex product containing vitamins and minerals. The standard dose is 1 tablet 2 times a day for a month.
• Vitamin E – Zentiva – improves the condition of women with PMS, with an unbalanced diet and increased physical activity. It is recommended to take 200 mg of the drug twice a day.
• Doppelherz Aktiv Magnesium Plus B Vitamins is a biologically active supplement containing B vitamins, magnesium and folic acid. The drug is taken once a day, one tablet at a time. The duration of admission is not less than 2 months.
• Multitabs B-complex is a combination drug that improves the function of the nervous system. It is recommended to take 1 tablet up to 3 times a day, depending on the degree of vitamin deficiency.
• Undevit is an inexpensive domestic drug that contains all the necessary vitamins that improve brain activity and nervous system function. Take the pills immediately after meals, 2 pcs. up to three times a day, for a month. The treatment can be repeated after a break of 1-2 months.

Physiotherapy treatment

Physiotherapy helps to stabilize blood circulation in the cervical spine, sympathetic plexus, brain, and also to increase the resistance of brain tissue to oxygen deficiency. Correctly prescribed procedures significantly reduce the manifestation of disorders of the autonomic nervous system and vestibular apparatus, simultaneously lowering muscle tone and reducing psycho-emotional tension.

The doctor may recommend massage sessions of the neck and shoulder girdle area. It is appropriate to perform therapeutic exercises, phonophoresis with anesthetics, euphyllin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and chondroprotectors.

Good reviews were received after electrophoresis procedures with angioprotectors and nootropic drugs.

Physiotherapy methods such as magnetic therapy, laser treatment, hydrobalneotherapy, etc. are also often recommended.

• Reflexology is acupuncture and massage with a special needle device that improves and stimulates blood flow in the neck area.
• Hydromassage is a classic, vacuum or hardware treatment that relaxes muscles and improves venous outflow from tissues.

Folk remedies

Treatment with folk methods involves the use of hawthorn tincture, which can be bought at a pharmacy or prepared at home. To do this, take the flowers of the plant and pour 70% alcohol over them. This tincture is taken orally on an empty stomach, 1 teaspoon, diluted in 100 ml of water.

In addition, it is recommended to massage the scalp, neck and back of the head daily. Massage lightly, without excessive haste, moving from the lower part of the neck to the ears and temples.

It is advisable to regularly add berries, fruits and garlic to your diet - these products help cleanse blood vessels of cholesterol deposits and improve blood circulation.

It is useful to take a decoction of plantain, chamomile flowers with honey, especially before bed.

During the day, a contrast shower has a good effect. It strengthens blood vessels and helps to quickly eliminate dizziness.

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Herbal treatment

Herbs often help to eliminate mild dizziness. And in combination with medications, they speed up the recovery process as a whole. For example, herbs such as mint and lemon balm will help with dizziness associated with PMS or the onset of menopause in women. It is also good to add valerian rhizome to herbal tea.

This recipe will also be useful: grind ginger root to a powdery state and take ¼ teaspoon with a small amount of water three times a day.

A large number of folk remedies for dizziness are associated with the use of oregano. The herb is brewed based on the proportion of 2 tbsp. per 500 ml of boiling water. The infusion is kept in a thermos overnight and taken the next day, dividing the resulting volume into 4 doses. The duration of treatment is 2-3 weeks, after which a break should be taken.

In the absence of allergies and stomach diseases, it is useful to add natural apple cider vinegar and honey to tea or drinking water - 1 teaspoon each. The course of such treatment should last about two weeks.

Homeopathy

The most common and effective homeopathic medicine for eliminating dizziness is Vertigo-hel, which is produced in the form of drops or tablets. The medicine helps to get rid of constant dizziness of any etiology. The standard dose is 10 drops or 1 tablet three times a day. There are no contraindications for using Vertigo-hel.

In case of osteochondrosis, it is appropriate to use Traumeel C ointment. The preparation is lightly rubbed into the affected area of the neck up to three times a day.

Among the monodrugs, the following should be noted:

• Phosphorus, Digitalis, Kalium carbonicum - if dizziness bothers mainly when turning the head sharply;
• Ferrum - for dizziness after suddenly assuming a vertical position;
• Cocculus - if dizziness is accompanied by nausea;
• Rus, Arnica - if you feel dizzy after an injury.

You should not try to choose a suitable drug for yourself: you are unlikely to do it better than a homeopathic doctor. Therefore, it would be better to consult him.

Surgical treatment

Surgeons are sought only when conservative treatment does not bring relief to the patient. For example, the following surgical methods may be used:

• Vestibular nerve severing surgery – performed to block the transmission of balance information. The intervention can lead to a number of complications, such as loss of hearing.
• Endolymphatic sac shunt procedure – involves separating the duct and sac, thereby reducing endolymphatic pressure. This procedure is especially often performed in Meniere's disease.
• Labyrinthectomy surgery is a radical removal of the labyrinth. After the surgery, the brain will no longer be supplied with information about gravitational and motor changes.
• A procedure for laser destruction of the otolith receptors of the vestibule and semicircular canals.
• The operation to close the lumen of the semicircular canal involves disrupting the ability of the otoliths to move.
• Surgery to remove tumor formations.
• Surgical intervention according to Ginzberg is relevant for the treatment of purulent labyrinthitis.
• Neumann's operation is an opening of the semicircular canals and vestibule (used for classic labyrinthitis).
• The installation of a vestibular implant is a relatively new type of intervention, which has so far been performed only in isolated cases.
• Kimmerle operation - involves removing the arch to stabilize blood circulation in the brain.
• Chiari surgery is based on the enlargement of the posterior cranial fossa, which leads to a decrease in pressure and normalization of the movement of cerebrospinal fluid.

Prevention

To prevent constant dizziness, it is recommended to follow important rules that can prevent such a phenomenon.

1. You need to drink enough fluids throughout the day. This will prevent dehydration and maintain blood pressure.
2. It is important to eliminate bad habits from your life, such as smoking and alcohol abuse.
3. You can’t work “to the point of exhaustion”; remember about rest, it is very important for recovery and normal functioning of the body.
4. It is necessary to sleep at least 7-8 hours a day, in a well-ventilated room.
5. You can't starve or follow long, strict, monotonous diets. Your diet should be complete and balanced, without overeating. You also shouldn't forget about the need for vitamins and microelements in your diet.
6. It is not advisable to stay in stuffy and closed rooms for a long time. The lack of fresh air leads to hypoxia of brain tissue.

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Forecast

In most patients, dizziness goes away after the cause of its occurrence is eliminated.

If there is constant dizziness, which is accompanied by deterioration of visual and auditory function, weakness in the limbs, then the prognosis may not be so optimistic. In severe cases, the outcome of the disease depends on the timeliness of contacting a doctor and competent adequate treatment.

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