What are the causes of dizziness & blackouts?

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Dizziness and blackouts are symptoms of many medical conditions. They occur when not enough blood reaches the brain or when there are electrical disturbances in the brain. Most causes can be treated successfully, but some are more serious.
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.
- Dizziness and blackouts are symptoms of many medical conditions.
- 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.
References
Resources
Writer Bio
Cathryn Whitehead graduated from the University of Michigan in 1987. She has published numerous articles for various websites. Her poems have been published in several anthologies and on Poetry.com. Whitehead has done extensive research on health conditions and has a background in education, household management, music and child development.