Dizziness and Fainting: Neurological Insights and Causes

Dizziness, loss of vision, loss of hearing, and unconsciousness?

Hello, Dr.
Jiang.
Early this morning, I traveled from the north to the south without any issues.
While enjoying the next scenic spot, shortly after getting off the bus, I suddenly felt hot and extremely unwell.
My vision started to turn purple and black, and I felt slightly unsteady.
Before long, I began to lose my hearing, and my vision went completely black.
When my family noticed, they quickly helped support me.
At that point, I lost consciousness and could only hear some sounds.
When I woke up, I found myself sitting on the ground.
My family was pressing on the back of my neck and my philtrum, and I woke up because of the pain.
Gradually, I could see again, I sweated a bit, and after drinking some water, I was able to stand up.
My family said my face was pale and my lips were white.
In the end, I rested in the car.
I have never experienced anything like this before in my childhood.
Recently, due to academic pressure, my allergies have worsened.
I often oversleep in the mornings, sleeping about 8 to 9 hours, which is longer than usual.
My physical activity has significantly decreased as I have been focused on my studies and have not been going out.
I am unsure if this is related to my recent experience.
Please evaluate and respond, thank you, doctor.

Tingy, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/05/28

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello, your symptoms are more indicative of fainting due to insufficient blood flow to the brain.
Common causes of fainting include: 1.
Neurogenic reflexes leading to decreased peripheral vascular tone, resulting in blood pooling in peripheral tissues and insufficient blood flow to the brain.
2.
Orthostatic hypotension caused by changes in posture, such as when suddenly standing up or getting out of bed.
Conditions like autonomic dysregulation and cardiovascular medications may contribute to this situation.
3.
Narrowing, blockage, or insufficient blood flow in the local cerebral vessels.
4.
Issues related to the blood itself, such as low blood pressure or hypoglycemia.
It is recommended that you consult a neurologist or cardiologist for further evaluation and treatment.
Wishing you good health and peace.
Dr.
Tao, Neurology, is concerned about you.

Reply Date: 2017/05/28

More Info

Hello! Thank you for sharing your experience, and I’m sorry to hear about the distressing episode you encountered. Dizziness and fainting can be alarming, and understanding their potential causes is essential for addressing your concerns.

From your description, it seems you experienced a sudden onset of dizziness, visual disturbances, and fainting, which can be attributed to several neurological and physiological factors. The symptoms you described, such as feeling hot, seeing a darkening of your vision, and experiencing a loss of consciousness, suggest a possible vasovagal syncope, which is a common cause of fainting. This occurs when your body overreacts to certain triggers, such as stress, pain, or prolonged standing, leading to a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure, resulting in reduced blood flow to the brain.

Several factors could have contributed to your episode:
1. Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance: If you were not adequately hydrated, especially in a warm environment, this could lead to dizziness and fainting. Sweating excessively without replenishing fluids can cause dehydration, which affects blood volume and pressure.

2. Stress and Anxiety: You mentioned experiencing pressure related to school. Stress can trigger physiological responses that may lead to dizziness or fainting. Anxiety can also cause hyperventilation, which can lead to lightheadedness and visual disturbances.

3. Lack of Physical Activity: A sedentary lifestyle, especially if combined with long hours of studying, can lead to poor cardiovascular fitness. This can make you more susceptible to fainting spells, particularly when standing up quickly or in response to stress.

4. Sleep Patterns: You noted that you sleep longer than average. While adequate sleep is crucial, excessive sleep can sometimes lead to feelings of grogginess or disorientation upon waking, which might contribute to dizziness.

5. Allergies: If you have allergies that have worsened recently, they could contribute to feelings of fatigue and malaise, which might also play a role in your symptoms.

Given that this was your first experience with such symptoms, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. They may recommend tests such as blood pressure monitoring, blood tests to check for anemia or electrolyte imbalances, and possibly an ECG to assess your heart's rhythm.
In the meantime, here are some general recommendations:
- Stay Hydrated: Ensure you drink enough fluids, especially in warm weather or after physical activity.

- Manage Stress: Consider stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or light exercise.

- Gradual Movements: When standing up, do so slowly to prevent sudden drops in blood pressure.

- Balanced Diet: Ensure you are eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

If you experience similar symptoms again, or if you have any concerns about your health, please seek medical attention promptly. It’s crucial to address these symptoms early to rule out any underlying conditions. Thank you for sharing your situation, and I hope you feel better soon!

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