Identification

Dizziness is a feeling of faintness, feeling light-headed, and spinning or rocking movements when you're still. Blackouts, also called syncope, are a loss of alertness or awareness lasting only a few minutes.

Treatable Causes

Standing in one place for too long, straining during bowel movements, fatigue, hyperventilating, standing up suddenly, and dehydration from the flu or other illnesses can lead to dizziness and blackouts. A drop in blood pressure or blood sugar levels are common causes, and coughing, ear infections, fever, colds and allergies can cause dizzy spells and loss of awareness.

Stress

Dizziness and blackouts can occur when you feel shock, fear, grief, loss, pain, rage, or other emotional distress.

Serious Causes

Central nervous system diseases, irregular heartbeat, stroke, multiple sclerosis, seizures, brain tumours, and a heart attack can cause dizziness and blackouts. There are usually other symptoms with serious illnesses, including chest pain, headaches, vision changes and speech difficulties.

Medication

Drugs used for nasal congestion, allergies, high blood pressure and anxiety can cause dizziness or blackouts. Alcohol use and illegal drug use are other causes.