Dizziness, Anemia, or Vision Issues? Your Symptoms

Q: Dizziness, Anemia, or Vision Issues? Your Symptoms

Dear Miss Qiqi： 1. It is advisable for you to consult directly with your family physician regarding your concerns. 2. There are many causes of dizziness that require differential diagnosis, including： a. Cardiovascular system： for example, orthostat

Dizziness, anemia, or eye problems?

Yesterday, after cleaning the graves, I stood up and suddenly experienced a blackout.
I could vaguely see the shadows of objects, people, and the grass around me, which felt like symptoms of anemia.
However, after standing for about three to five minutes, my vision did not return to normal until I told my family I needed to sit down and rest.
Gradually, my vision started to regain color and brightness.

1.
I have high myopia, with both eyes having a prescription of over -1200 diopters and over -200 diopters of astigmatism.

2.
The night before, I stayed up late, going to bed around midnight and waking up at six in the morning.

3.
I am not sure if it was dizziness, but at the time, I could still clearly hear my family chatting and was able to respond immediately, such as participating in ancestor worship and explaining that I couldn't see when we were about to leave for the next grave.

4.
I had eaten breakfast before going out.

5.
The incident occurred around eight in the morning, and after returning home to rest, I did not experience any symptoms of heatstroke, such as vomiting or diarrhea.

Qi Qi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/04/06

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine

Dear Miss Qiqi:
1.
It is advisable for you to consult directly with your family physician regarding your concerns.

2.
There are many causes of dizziness that require differential diagnosis, including:
a.
Cardiovascular system: for example, orthostatic hypotension, hypertension, hypotension, arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, shock, etc.

b.
Otolaryngology system: for example, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, Meniere's disease, vestibular neuritis, etc.

c.
Nervous system: for example, transient ischemic attack, intracranial tumors, vertebrobasilar insufficiency, cervical spine disorders, cerebrovascular diseases, epilepsy, migraines, post-traumatic conditions, peripheral neuropathy, etc.

d.
Visual system: for example, retinal disorders, cataracts, visual abnormalities, etc.

e.
Hematologic system: for example, anemia, leukemia, etc.

f.
Endocrine system: for example, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, thyroid disorders, adrenal insufficiency, etc.

g.
Mental health: for example, anxiety disorders, panic disorders, depression, hyperventilation syndrome, etc.

h.
Other factors: for example, medication side effects, alcohol abuse, heat exhaustion, hypothermia, sleep deprivation, malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, colds, fever, exposure to harmful gases, etc.

3.
Based on your description and age, personal speculation suggests that at least sleep deprivation, anemia, heat exhaustion, orthostatic hypotension, electrolyte imbalances, and hyperventilation syndrome should be considered as potential causes.

Reply Date: 2019/04/06

More Info

Based on your description, it seems you experienced a transient episode of visual disturbance and dizziness after a physically demanding activity, which could be attributed to several factors. Let's break down your symptoms and possible underlying causes.

1. Dizziness and Visual Disturbance: The sudden onset of visual disturbances, such as seeing dark shadows or a temporary loss of vision, can be alarming. Given your history of high myopia (severe nearsightedness), your eyes are more susceptible to certain complications. However, the symptoms you described, particularly the transient nature of the visual changes, suggest that this could be related to a temporary drop in blood pressure or blood flow to the brain, often referred to as orthostatic hypotension. This can occur when you stand up too quickly after bending over or engaging in physical activity, especially if you were dehydrated or fatigued.

2. Anemia Consideration: You mentioned feeling like your symptoms resembled those of anemia. Anemia can indeed cause dizziness and visual disturbances due to insufficient oxygen delivery to the brain. If you have a history of anemia or have been feeling fatigued, it would be wise to get a complete blood count (CBC) to check your hemoglobin levels and other parameters.

3. Fatigue and Sleep Deprivation: You noted that you had a late night and woke up early. Sleep deprivation can significantly affect cognitive function and physical performance, leading to dizziness and impaired vision. Lack of sleep can also exacerbate any underlying conditions, making you more susceptible to episodes of dizziness.

4. High Myopia: With a prescription of -1200 diopters and significant astigmatism, your eyes are under considerable strain. High myopia can lead to complications such as retinal detachment or macular degeneration, which can cause visual disturbances. It's crucial to have regular eye examinations to monitor for any changes in your eye health.

5. Immediate Actions: When you experienced the episode, sitting down and resting helped restore your vision. This is a good immediate response to dizziness. It’s essential to stay hydrated, especially after physical exertion, and to avoid sudden movements that could exacerbate dizziness.

6. Further Evaluation: Given the complexity of your symptoms, it would be prudent to consult with a healthcare provider. They may recommend a thorough evaluation, including:
- A complete blood count to check for anemia.

- An eye examination to assess for any complications related to high myopia.

- Possibly a cardiovascular evaluation if dizziness persists, to rule out any issues with blood pressure or heart function.

7. Lifestyle Modifications: Ensure you maintain a balanced diet rich in iron and vitamins to support overall health and potentially mitigate anemia. Regular check-ups with both your ophthalmologist and primary care physician are essential to monitor your conditions.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be related to transient factors such as dehydration, fatigue, or even anemia, it is crucial to seek medical advice for a comprehensive evaluation. This will help rule out any serious underlying conditions and provide you with peace of mind. Remember, your health is paramount, and addressing these symptoms early can prevent potential complications in the future.

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