Dizziness facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dizziness |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Feeling like your surroundings are spinning, called Vertigo, is a common type of dizziness. |
Dizziness is a common feeling where you might feel unsteady, lightheaded, or like the world is spinning. It's not a disease itself, but a symptom of many different things. Many people experience dizziness at some point. About 20 to 30 out of every 100 people have felt dizzy.
Contents
What Causes Dizziness?
Dizziness can happen for many reasons. Sometimes it's a simple thing, and other times it can be a sign of something more serious. Here are some common causes:
Blood Flow Problems
Your brain needs a steady supply of blood. If it doesn't get enough, you might feel dizzy.
- Sudden Drop in Blood Pressure: This can happen if you stand up too quickly. Your blood pressure suddenly falls, and your brain doesn't get enough blood for a moment.
- Heart Issues: Problems with your heart or blocked arteries can reduce blood flow to your brain.
- Anemia: This is when your blood doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen. If you don't have enough, your brain might not get enough oxygen, making you feel dizzy. Examples include not having enough Vitamin B12 or iron.
Other Common Reasons
Many other things can make you feel dizzy.
- Vision Problems: If your eyesight isn't clear, or if your eyes are sending confusing signals to your brain, it can affect your balance.
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can make you feel lightheaded and dizzy.
- Inner Ear Issues: Your inner ear helps control your balance. Problems there, like an infection, can cause dizziness or a spinning sensation called vertigo.
- Medication Side Effects: Some medicines, like those for seizures or to help you relax, can make you feel dizzy. Other common medicines, like some stomach acid reducers or blood thinners, can also have this side effect.
- Neck Problems: Sometimes, issues with your neck muscles or joints can affect the signals your brain gets about your body's position, leading to dizziness.
When to See a Doctor
Most of the time, dizziness is not serious and goes away on its own. However, if your dizziness is severe, happens often, or comes with other symptoms like chest pain, a very bad headache, or trouble speaking, it's important to tell an adult and see a doctor right away. They can help figure out what's causing it and how to make you feel better.
See also
In Spanish: Mareo para niños
