Dizzy and lightheaded

I am a 36 year old male in relatively good health.  I have been noticing for the past few months that after driving for an hour or two in the morning to work, when I stop and get out of the car and start to walk I feel dizzy and lightheaded and sometimes have trouble walking.  It goes away in about a half hour or so.Sometimes during the drive I notice my legs will "fall asleep" for feel numb and I have to reposition them to get the blood flowing.  It goes away in about a half hour or so.  Is this a circulation problem or something else?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

There are a variety of causes for dizziness, including cardiac, inner ear, or neurological causes.

With the association of the numbness, you may want to consider a neurological cause, which can start with a referral to a neurologist as well as brain imaging.  

If the neurological workup is non-revealing, you can consider heart tests like an echocardiogram or Holter monitor, which can evaluate the structure of the heart and rhythm respectively.

An ENT evaluation can look for inner ear disorders.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin Pho, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com
www.twitter.com/kevinmd

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I had been having all these symptoms as well only to find out I was B12 deficient.  When going to your doctors make sure to get extensive blood work done as well.  I felt as though i was just being paranoid and my b12 level was so low it was a miracle i could funtion normally through out the day.