Alcohol-Related Dizziness and Health Risks: When to Seek Help

Drinking alcohol can cause dizziness, inability to stand, pale complexion, sweating, and tinnitus?

Due to my previous habit of drinking alcohol, I would experience facial flushing and an increased heart rate whenever I drank.
I used to go out singing and drinking until about four or five years ago when I had a troubling incident.
After just one drink, I felt a stomach ache and the urge to use the restroom.
When I stood up, I became dizzy and rushed to the bathroom, where I quickly sat on the toilet.
After finishing, I stood up and collapsed, hitting my head against the wall.
I had to crouch down to rest for a moment before I shakily made my way out of the bathroom.
When my friends saw me, they asked what was wrong since my face was pale, and they immediately helped me to the car to rest.
I tried to stand up after a while, but I felt dizzy again.
Sometimes when I drink, this doesn’t happen; it seems to be occasional.
Although I don’t drink often, when I do, I tend to drink quickly and in large amounts.
However, in the last six months, every time I drink, I experience these symptoms, which frightens those around me.
Thankfully, I remain conscious, but I need to lie down to rest.
Just a couple of days ago, my mom made chicken wine, and after drinking a large bowl of soup, my ears turned red (which is normal for me when I drink).
While sitting, I felt a bit dizzy, and when I stood up, I collapsed again.
Fortunately, I managed to grab something and didn’t hit my head.
I consulted a family medicine doctor, who suggested that my symptoms might be due to my heart diverting blood to areas it shouldn’t when I drink alcohol.
She advised me to stop drinking but didn’t conduct any tests.
I’m unsure of the true cause of my symptoms and how I can address and prevent these issues from recurring.
I had already stopped drinking, but I didn’t expect to react this way to "chicken wine." From my research, possible factors could involve the central nervous system or the heart.
A nursing instructor suggested I get my liver and kidneys checked for potential alcohol toxicity.
With all this information, I feel quite overwhelmed.

What kind of specialist should I see for my symptoms, and what tests should I undergo to determine the underlying issue? Thank you.
In addition to the symptoms mentioned, I often experience tingling on the left side of my head.
Around March this year, I had shingles on the left side of my neck, which can cause nerve pain.
Recently, I’ve started to feel nerve pain from my left elbow down to my palm.
Do I need to see a doctor and receive medication for this?

Ze, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/10/22

Dr. Zeng Kongyan reply Neurology

Hello, in response to your question, based on your description, it is possible that you are experiencing orthostatic hypotension.
The abdominal pain after drinking alcohol may cause an excessive parasympathetic response, leading to low blood pressure and fainting.
It is also possible that vestibular dysfunction is causing dizziness and imbalance, resulting in falls.
If these incidents are related to alcohol consumption, the first step is to stop drinking and then engage in gentle stretching exercises to enhance autonomic nervous system responsiveness, thereby preventing recurrence.
The reasons mentioned by the family medicine physician should be similar to the symptoms described above.
You may consider consulting a neurologist, cardiologist, or otolaryngologist.
The rash on the left side of your neck or posterior head and neck may cause similar localized numbness or tingling sensations.
If the symptoms are severe, medication may be necessary; if mild, observation is usually sufficient, and it generally does not cause numbness in other areas.
Regarding the hand pain mentioned in your message, it would be advisable to seek medical evaluation to determine if there are any other underlying issues.

Reply Date: 2010/10/22

More Info

When it comes to understanding alcohol-related dizziness and the associated health risks, it’s crucial to recognize the potential underlying issues that may be contributing to your symptoms. Based on your description, it seems that you have experienced episodes of dizziness and fainting after consuming alcohol, which can be alarming and warrants further investigation.

Firstly, the symptoms you describe—flushing, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and fainting—could be indicative of several factors related to alcohol consumption. One possibility is alcohol intolerance, which can lead to flushing and cardiovascular responses. This is particularly common in individuals of East Asian descent due to a genetic variation affecting the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase, which is responsible for metabolizing alcohol. When alcohol is consumed, acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct, accumulates, leading to symptoms like flushing and palpitations.

Moreover, the dizziness and fainting episodes you experienced could be linked to a drop in blood pressure, especially when standing up quickly after drinking. This condition, known as orthostatic hypotension, can occur when the body struggles to regulate blood pressure after alcohol consumption, leading to dizziness and fainting. Additionally, alcohol can act as a depressant on the central nervous system, which may exacerbate feelings of dizziness and disorientation.

Given your history of these symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention to rule out any serious underlying conditions. A comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential. You may want to start with a visit to a primary care physician or a gastroenterologist, who can assess your liver function and overall health. They may recommend blood tests to evaluate liver enzymes, kidney function, and possibly a complete blood count to check for any abnormalities.

In addition to liver function tests, it may be beneficial to undergo an electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess your heart's rhythm and function, especially since you mentioned experiencing rapid heartbeats. If necessary, your doctor may refer you to a cardiologist for further evaluation.

Regarding the neurological symptoms you mentioned, such as the tingling sensation in your left arm and the history of shingles, it would also be prudent to consult a neurologist. They can perform a neurological examination and may suggest imaging studies, such as an MRI, to rule out any nerve damage or other neurological conditions.

In summary, your symptoms suggest a multifaceted issue that could involve alcohol intolerance, cardiovascular responses, and potential neurological concerns. It is crucial to avoid alcohol until you have been thoroughly evaluated by a healthcare professional. They can provide you with a tailored approach to managing your symptoms and improving your overall health. Additionally, addressing lifestyle factors such as stress management, hydration, and nutrition can also play a significant role in your recovery and well-being.

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