Dizziness please help

[mitchphil]

i'm mitch im 15 years old. 5'3 132 lbs. i have been really dizzy the last few days, it started with a pain in my back/neck which is still there. and then i became very dizzy. but when i lay down/watch tv i don't feel dizzy. only when i walk around. i did my own research and came up with a inner ear infection as the pain in my back and neck may be a different thing entirely. But if i could get some opinions on this because it could be nothing at all. and it might be serious i don't know. thanks please respond quick.

[grendslori]

one more thing....dehydration can certainly add to this problem. One thing you have to understand that just drinking water by itself will not keep you hydrated (geez, I wish doctors would tell patients this) You need to eat plenty of protein in order to stay hydrated, so keep that in mind whien you are drinking.  

[grendslori]

One of the things that you need to really clear up, Mitch, is whether you are ACTUALLY dizzy or are you light headed. There's a difference and the reason for each are also different. Dizziness is caused generally by fluid imbalances in the ear or by eye problems, it isn't caused by a lack of bloodflow to the brain. When there is a lack of bloodflow to the brain, a person suffers from lightheadedness, presyncopy and syncope. When you say you are dizzy, are you spinning, is the room spinning and you are standing still or do you feel like your head isn't attched to your body?  

[Katey H.]

It's probably not an ear infection because back and neck pain are not usually associated with ear infections.  If you had inner ear pain, then you could suspect ear infection.  The dizziness you are describing that happens "only when you walk around" is called orthostatic hypotension, or postural hypotension.  It is a drop in blood pressure(BP) when you go from a lying to standing position.  It's caused because all the blood goes to your feet when you stand, and not enough is getting to your brain, lack of blood means lack of oxygen which is causes dizziness.  It most likely caused by dehydration, so drink plenty of water.  And don't go directly from lying to standing, sit there for a minute before standing, it will help eliminate the dizziness. The back/neck pain is probably unrelated to the low BP.  Try changing the position you sleep in to alleviate the pain. If your symptoms continue or worsen, go to your Dr. to rule out other more serious conditions.

I hope this helps,
Katey