Possible Causes of Dizziness or Fainting

Dizziness and fainting can have many causes. Your doctor will rule out serious health problems first. He or she will then check to see if you have an inner ear or heart problem, or if there is another cause.

Benign Positional Vertigo (BPV)

BPV (also called BPPV) results when crystals inside the inner ear shift into the wrong position. BPV causes episodes of vertigo (spinning) but doesn't cause hearing loss. Episodes usually occur when the head is moved in a certain way.

Infection or Inflammation

If the semicircular canals of the ear become infected or inflamed, they can send incorrect balance signals. This causes vertigo. Depending on the cause, hearing can be affected (neuronitis) or can remain normal (labyrinthitis).

Meniere's Disease

Meniere's disease happens when there is too much fluid in the semicircular canals. Meniere's disease causes vertigo, hearing problems, buzzing or ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and a feeling of pressure or fullness in the ear.

Syncope

Syncope or fainting occurs when the brain doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood. Syncope can be caused by low heart rate or low blood pressure (vasovagal syncope). It can also be caused by sitting or standing up too quickly (orthostatic hypotension). Syncope may also be due to a heart valve problem.