Sudden Dizziness, Nausea, and Cold Sweats: What Could It Mean?

Q: Sudden Dizziness, Nausea, and Cold Sweats: What Could It Mean?

Dear Miss Hsuan：<br>1. <br>Vertigo is a common clinical symptom; however, there are sometimes differing perspectives on its definition. <br>Many people often confuse vertigo with dizziness, and physicians, due to time constraints and communication difficulties, may not make a cle

Sudden dizziness, vomiting, and cold sweats?

Hello, Doctor.
I would like to consult about my symptoms.
On July 7th, at around 3 AM, I was suddenly awakened from deep sleep by a wave of dizziness.
After waking up, the dizziness intensified, and my vision felt shaky.
I then had an urgent need to vomit and had to rush to the bathroom.
During this vomiting episode, I experienced excessive cold sweating.
Throughout the night, I went to the bathroom twice, and I vomited more than 20 times in total.
Initially, I made it to the bathroom, but eventually, I was too weak and had to use a trash can in my room.
After vomiting, I would lie on my side to rest, but it wasn't long before the urge to vomit returned.
At first, I vomited my dinner, but towards the end, it turned into dry heaving, phlegm, and even stomach acid.
During this time, I kept waking up and falling asleep, and whenever I fell asleep, I would suddenly feel the urge to vomit again.
The dizziness and vomiting lasted for over two hours.
This is the first time I have experienced something like this, and I was in so much pain that I wanted to ask my family to take me to the emergency room, but I was too weak to get up and seek help, so I had to endure until the symptoms eased a bit.
I haven't consumed alcohol; I haven't touched alcohol in a long time, otherwise, I would have thought it was a hangover.
When I woke up in the morning, I thought I was back to normal, but I still felt a bit dizzy and lethargic, and I didn't have any urge to vomit, but I also had no appetite and couldn't eat anything when I saw food.
Doctor, what do you think these symptoms indicate? Since this is my first experience with this, I am scared and would like to know if I need to see a doctor.
If so, which specialty should I consult? Additionally, if I encounter these symptoms again, what do you recommend I can eat or should avoid, and what might help alleviate the discomfort? Thank you, Doctor, for your hard work.

Xuan, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/07/07

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine

Dear Miss Hsuan:
1.
Vertigo is a common clinical symptom; however, there are sometimes differing perspectives on its definition.
Many people often confuse vertigo with dizziness, and physicians, due to time constraints and communication difficulties, may not make a clear distinction when explaining the condition.
Strictly speaking, vertigo is characterized by a sensation of spinning, while general dizziness does not involve this feeling.
There are many potential causes of vertigo, including certain medications, anemia, brain lesions, inner ear issues, and circulatory system problems.
Typically, mild vertigo may resolve with rest, but if accompanied by weakness in the limbs, slurred speech, or other concerning symptoms, it could indicate a stroke or lesions in the brainstem or head, and prompt medical attention is necessary.
2.
Your concerns require further differential diagnosis; I recommend discussing them with your primary care physician or seeking evaluation at a neurology outpatient clinic at a regional hospital.

Reply Date: 2022/07/07

More Info

Sudden dizziness, nausea, and cold sweats can be alarming symptoms, especially when they occur abruptly during the night. Based on your description, it seems you experienced a severe episode that included intense dizziness, repeated vomiting, and cold sweats, which lasted for several hours. This combination of symptoms can be indicative of several potential underlying issues, and it’s important to consider a few possibilities.

1. Gastroenteritis: One of the most common causes of sudden nausea and vomiting is gastroenteritis, often referred to as a stomach virus. This condition can lead to inflammation of the stomach and intestines, resulting in symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. The cold sweats you experienced could be a response to the body’s stress from the illness.

2. Food Poisoning: If you consumed something that was contaminated, food poisoning could also explain your symptoms. Symptoms can appear suddenly and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, often accompanied by sweating and dizziness.

3. Vestibular Disorders: Dizziness can be caused by issues related to the inner ear, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) or vestibular neuritis. These conditions can lead to sudden episodes of dizziness, which may be accompanied by nausea.

4. Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar levels can cause dizziness, sweating, and nausea. If you hadn’t eaten for a while before going to bed, this could be a contributing factor.

5. Anxiety or Panic Attack: Sometimes, intense anxiety or panic attacks can manifest with physical symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and sweating. If you were under stress or anxiety before sleeping, this could be a possibility.

6. Cardiovascular Issues: Although less common, dizziness and cold sweats can also be symptoms of cardiovascular problems, such as arrhythmias or even a heart attack, especially if accompanied by chest pain or discomfort.

Given that this was your first experience with such severe symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention. You should consider visiting a healthcare provider, preferably a primary care physician or an emergency department, especially if your symptoms persist or worsen. They will be able to conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination, blood tests, and possibly imaging studies to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.

Dietary Recommendations
While you are recovering, it’s important to be cautious about what you eat. Here are some general recommendations:
- Stay Hydrated: Since you experienced significant vomiting, it’s crucial to replenish lost fluids. Drink clear fluids such as water, broth, or electrolyte solutions. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages as they can worsen dehydration.

- Start with Bland Foods: Once you feel ready to eat, start with bland foods that are easy on the stomach, such as toast, crackers, bananas, or rice. These foods are less likely to irritate your stomach.

- Avoid Greasy or Spicy Foods: Foods that are high in fat or spices can exacerbate nausea and should be avoided until you feel completely better.

- Listen to Your Body: If you feel nauseous at the sight or smell of food, it’s best to wait until you feel more comfortable before trying to eat.

Conclusion
In summary, your symptoms warrant a medical evaluation to rule out any serious conditions. It’s essential to monitor your symptoms closely and seek help if they persist or if you develop new symptoms. Remember to stay hydrated and start with bland foods as you recover. Your health is important, and addressing these symptoms early can lead to better outcomes.

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