Periodic dizziness, fainting and feeling like passing out

@rjtx I’m sure these dizzy/fainting spells are troubling for both your wife and you.
I’m going to throw a bunch of questions your way in hopes of getting some answers for you.
There are a number of conversations in the Connect forum related to dizziness and fainting but it would be like grasping at straws to know where your wife’s symptoms fall in line with these.

She gets dizzy but doesn’t actually faint or pass out. At first thought it sounds like low blood pressure. Has her blood pressure been taken at the time of an event? It wouldn’t be a bad idea to purchase a home blood pressure cuff and take readings on a regular basis, same time of the day. Then if she has a recurrence you can check her BP at that time and see if it has dropped.

Does she have allergies which can give her vertigo?

You’ve mentioned she has low iron in her blood. Has she also been checked for thyroid issues?
Is there a pattern to when these symptoms occur? Is she sitting or lying down and it happens when she stands up?

Is she on any medications which can affect her blood pressure?

She’s had an MRI of her brain and blood tests, but has she been to a cardiologist for a full cardio work up to check for things like A-fib or HCM?

Have your wife keep a little diary of these occurrences such as what’s she’s doing when it happens. Time of the day, etc. Then a consultation with her doctor might yield some answers.

Some thoughts... Lori.

I must be in a bad mood tonight, and thankfully we can come here for help, guidance, support... makes a world of difference; but it just hit me what you said about what should you ask the doctor to further diagnose: ISNT THE DOCTOR SUPPOSED TO KNOW. Honestly, I am the same and have piles of notes and printed info from Internet to ask the doctors next time speak to them, and specialists when they phone (as cant see in person during covid).... isn't that their job!! Sorry but sometimes I just get so upset and at 77 I am doing all the research and searching ... and trying to ask them without upsetting them!!..... if they dont know,why not refer to someone who does?
There. Vent over and best wishes to your wife, must be very scary for her. (hugs) J

@lacy2 I agree with you. I find myself thinking about my symptoms and the scenario of being with a doctor in the office/phone and end up talking myself out of making an appointment! Telling myself all my problems are just my imagination being overly active! I guess I diagnose myself.

....yes, @suzanne2, I have a phone call soon and already writing notes as to what I think he , doctor, will need to know, or might ask me: stressful.... I would really appreciate it if he would "ask me" questions about what he needs to know, or even ask me what my concerns are.... and now I start off by asking how long the appointment will last (usually one item per ten minutes). I "do" understand its also difficult for drs to diagnose over phone during covid and appreciate their time, but just seem to be going around in circles lately.,.. @rjtx ... it just hit me the wrong way when I read last night, and I felt bad... but good news MRI did not show anything, nor blood test.... @loribmt had some good suggestions... best wishes for your wife's recovery, J. 🌷

Hello @rjtx, I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @loribmt and others. Your wife's symptoms sound very similar to what our daughter experienced and was finally diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome. She had dizziness and fainting spells that were not diagnosed until she was seen by a Mayo cardiologist. Here is a short podcast by Mayo Radio broadcast about Long QT Syndrome with Michael Ackerman, M.D., a Mayo Clinic cardiologist.

I started getting dizzy spells after my cancer surgeries back in 2017. At one point passed out. I could do nothing exercise wise like pre surgeries. My wife made an appointment at our local hospital. It was determined to be low blood pressure. I started a very stress free exercise regime and now all is fine. I think Lori could be right with her low blood pressure thoughts. Cheers John

@johnbishop ..thank you for posting that video, very interesting. J.

thank you very much everyone for the tips. I will follow up with my wife on these.

p.s. just got referred to neurologist spoken to before... got a phone appointment for August! Think I will make it til then? Ugh Well lucky to see anyone with our covid lockdown! J.

@lacy2 I think many people think like you do. It’s the “White
Coat” Syndrome. When you walk into the doctors office, either your blood pressure spikes or you’re suddenly well! But really, symptoms aren’t in our imagination and you surely don’t want to diagnose yourself! I’ve had several virtual visits with my doctor and they go very well and you get more time (at least I have so far).
You might also see if the doctors office has a waiting list. If someone cancels, maybe you can get in earlier.
Keep up the positive attitude!