Doctor explained how to distinguish "dangerous" dizziness from "ordinary" dizziness

Dizziness as an alarm signal: experts reveal dangerous signs that should not be ignored. Leading European neurologist Dr. Olga Zincheva explained the critical differences between normal and potentially dangerous dizziness requiring immediate medical intervention.

"Quite often patients come to the doctor complaining of instability, uncertainty when walking, weakness, fog in the head, calling it all by one word - dizziness. Dizziness (or vertigo) is a condition when surrounding objects rotate around a person. Each of us has experienced this at least once in our lives, when after prolonged spinning, for example, on a carousel, this condition occurred and passed on its own after a short time without any consequences," noted the neurologist.

However, according to the medical expert, if dizziness occurs on its own, it may indicate the development of dangerous diseases.

"Dizziness that occurs suddenly and is accompanied by nausea, repeated vomiting, double vision, hearing loss, coordination disorders when walking, numbness of a part of the body can be dangerous and indicate one of several serious diseases. These include: stroke, Meniere's disease, brain tumor (both benign and malignant), electrolyte imbalance in the body (potassium deficiency), dehydration, hypoglycemia, and anemia. In such cases, it is necessary to immediately consult a doctor or call an ambulance," warned the specialist.

The doctor also said that patients often come to her with dizziness caused by the formation of otoliths (so-called stones - microcrystalline calcium carbonate crystals) in the inner ear.

"In this case, dizziness occurs when changing body position, leaning forward, turning the head to the sides and is called 'benign paroxysmal positional vertigo'. This condition is very common in elderly people," added the neurologist.

Another type of dizziness, according to her, is psychogenic. It manifests as swaying and instability without any apparent causes. In this case, the vestibular apparatus works well.

"Only an experienced doctor can determine the type of dizziness and help the patient. Under no circumstances should you self-medicate, as this symptom may indicate the presence of life-threatening diseases," concluded Zincheva.