Dizziness is feeling faint, light-headed, or unsteady. People say they "feel dizzy" to describe a variety of different sensations. If you feel like you or the room you are in are spinning, you are experiencing vertigo. Feeling imbalanced or as if you are leaning to one side is known as disequilibrium. Show
You may experience other symptoms when you feel dizzy, such as sweating. Dizziness and sweating are often caused by an illness or condition that resolves on its own or is easily treated. But sometimes dizziness with sweating can be a sign of a serious medical condition. This article explores the potential causes of dizziness and sweating, and when to seek medical attention. Getty Images / VioletaStoimenova Causes of Dizziness and SweatingThere are many different reasons for being dizzy and sweating at the same time. HypoglycemiaHypoglycemia (low blood sugar) occurs when glucose levels in the blood drop below healthy ranges. It is common in people with diabetes and is often a side effect of certain medications (e.g., insulin). Hypoglycemia can also occur if you have not eaten enough throughout the day. Hypoglycemia often comes on suddenly. In addition to dizziness and sweating, symptoms of hypoglycemia include:
Heart AttackA heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is significantly reduced or blocked. The primary symptom of a heart attack is chest pain or discomfort. Dizziness and breaking out into a cold sweat can also occur. Other heart attack symptoms include:
When to Call 911If you have symptoms of a heart attack, call 911. Seeking immediate medical care may prevent further heart damage. Hot FlashesHot flashes are sudden, intense bursts of heat felt on the upper body, including the face, neck, and chest. When estrogen levels decline during menopause(when menstrual cycles have stopped for 12 consecutive months), the hypothalamus (area of the brain that controls body temperature) becomes more sensitive to changes in temperature that can result in hot flashes. Hot flashes last anywhere from 30 seconds to five minutes, and are associated with the following symptoms:
AnxietyAnxiety can often lead to dizziness and sweating, particularly when anxiety levels are high. Many people with anxiety and panic disorders report feeling dizzy and sweaty in the moments leading up to or during a panic attack. A panic attack is an intense fear or discomfort that may last several minutes and can cause physical symptoms, including:
When you experience high levels of anxiety, a surge of stress hormones (e.g., adrenaline, cortisol) flood the body. This can affect the vestibular system (sensory system in the inner ear) and cause dizziness. Studies show that people with anxiety disorders have an increased risk of developing benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Fainting (Due to Low Blood Pressure)Fainting (syncope) is when you lose consciousness for a brief period of time. It occurs when your blood pressure drops suddenly, causing a decrease in blood flow to the brain due to an insufficient supply of oxygen to the brain. You may feel dizzy and light-headed or break out into a sweat moments before fainting. In most cases, fainting is not caused by a serious medical condition. Before you faint, you may feel other symptoms, such as:
Motion SicknessMotion sickness is feeling unwell when traveling by car, boat, bus, plane, or train. It occurs when your brain gets conflicting signals from your eyes and inner ears about your body’s motion. Symptoms of motion sickness include:
Motion sickness is temporary and usually goes away when the motion stops. Other CausesOther causes of dizziness and sweating include:
DiagnosisYour healthcare provider can help you determine the cause of your dizziness and sweating. During your appointment, they will take your medical history, ask about your symptoms (e.g., when they began, how long they last), and perform a physical exam. To provide an accurate diagnosis, your healthcare provider may perform additional tests, such as:
When to Seek Medical AttentionIf you have unexplained dizziness and sweating or experience prolonged or recurring episodes, it is important to see your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Seek medical care right away if you experience dizziness and sweating with any of the following symptoms:
SummaryDizziness is a feeling of being lightheaded, faint, or disoriented. There are times when sweating may occur along with dizziness, such as when you have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), hot flashes, or motion sickness. Other times, dizziness and sweating together may be a sign of a serious or life-threatening condition that requires medical attention, such as hypoglycemia or a heart attack. A Word From VerywellExperiencing dizziness and sweating at the same time can be an unsettling experience, particularly if you aren’t sure of the reason. There are a number of conditions that can cause these symptoms to occur together. Some are temporary and will pass on their own, and others require medical attention. See your healthcare provider if you have recurring episodes of dizziness and sweating, or if these symptoms are affecting your day-to-day life. Seek emergency medical attention if dizziness and sweating are accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain, severe headache, or vision/hearing loss. Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I get dizzy and sweaty when I have diarrhea?Dumping syndrome: Symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and diarrhea can occur when your body rapidly moves food from your stomach to your duodenum (the first part of your small intestine). This condition is called dumping syndrome.
Why do I suddenly feel dizzy and nauseous and sweating?A vertigo attack may cause sudden nausea, vomiting, and heavy sweating. Severe vertigo causes a loss of balance and can make you fall. During vertigo, small head movements and changes in body position will often make the symptoms worse. You may also have ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
What can cause dizziness nausea and diarrhea?A stomach virus or food poisoning can leave you with vomiting and diarrhea, and may cause a headache and dizziness. You might also be dehydrated from the loss of fluids. An inner ear infection can cause dizziness and nausea as well. Don't ignore a symptom like dizziness, however.
What causes sudden diarrhea and sweating?Gastroenteritis, inflammatory bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, HIV, COVID-19 infection, tuberculosis, flu, hepatitis (A, B or C), opioid withdrawal, food poisoning, traveler's diarrhea or other bacterial diarrhea, or even a parasitic infection could cause these signs. Call your doctor.
|