Axiety Question

[senkri]

Hello,
I get debilitating dizziness. My doctor has pegged anxiety. Its constant. Can you guys please share some experiences with anxiety and dizziness? Thanks!

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
There are many causes of dizziness, lightheadedness, passing out, blackouts etc. Dizziness could be due to postural hypotension (blood pressure falling with change of position), internal ear problems and cervical spondylitis or compression of cervical spinal nerves. All these cause dizziness when you get up from lying down position or when you change position that results in a change in the level of your head. Cervical spondylitis and ear problems also cause dizziness on changing the position of the neck.
Other causes are anemia, claustrophobia, GERD, hypoglycemia or low sugar and some endocrine problems. Endocrine problems, such as an underactive thyroid (called hypothyroidism), overactive thyroid (called hyperthyroidism), adrenal insufficiency (called Addison's disease), low blood sugar levels, and in some cases, diabetes, may lead to hypotension and hence lightheadedness and an off balance feeling.
Certain types of epilepsies and seizures too can cause similar symptoms. If you have an accompanying headache then you must also look at benign intracranial hypertension. Heart problems too should be ruled out in your case. If all other tests are normal, maybe an ECHO should be done to rule out mitral valve prolapse. Patent foramen ovale too could be the cause (commonly known as hole in the heart). It can also be chronic fatigue syndrome if all other causes are ruled out. A brain lesion too can cause dizziness but often there are other neurological signs such as numbness, tingling, loss of function of a limb etc.
Since I cannot examine you and know other related conditions you may be having, nor is a detailed history possible on net, I have listed the various possibilities that should be looked into. Please consult your PCP for primary examination followed by proper referral.
Take care!

[DoulaDoll]

I have anxiety with full blown panic attacks, The best thing for me is to remind myself that I am having an attack, I am not going to die, I find a nic quiet place to sit by myself, and just start from the top o my head and go down to the tis of my toes, intentionally tightening them up one at a time and then relaxing them completely and thouroughly.  I make my breaths very intentional and controlled, reminding myself all along that I can control myself and my body.  It usually doesn't take too long before I am feeling much better.

[kristen977]

Hello,
I have Anxiety, I have had it for many years I am only 17, my signs of it consist of.
When I am overwelmed, I get dizzy, I stare off into space. I shake, i am really light headed, I am thirrsty and I need to eat.
When I am mad, I grit my teeth, and it is hard for me to breath. my face gets hot, and I get very sick.
When I cry, I cant breath, and I have to litterally make myself stop.
at sometimes if I cant breath through my nose. I get really scared and cry.
alot of people live with anxiety. and it is normal for the symptoms you are having. get help now, and it wont get worse ,
I hope this helped.!