Periodic dizziness, fainting and feeling like passing out

Posted by rjtx @rjtx, Apr 26, 2021

I wonder if this is even the right forum? Please point out the right one if it's not. My wife (age 52) has had this symptom many years. She would feel dizzy, faint and almost passing out (not to a point to lose consciousness completely yet). But when it comes, it's pretty severe and she feel she would pass out. This happens every a few months. She has gone MRI for brain and blood testing. All test numbers are normal (except low Iron). She has been taking Iron pills and try to raise her number. Other than Iron, what kind of tests should we ask doctor to further diagnose?

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Profile picture for kjoed53 @kjoed53

@blm1007blm1007
I'm surprised that blood work to check vitamin and mineral levels is not part of our annual physical since it is a known issue as we age. My cardiologist put me on vitamin D3 and B12 years ago and I still take my multivitamin each night. If more effort was put into prevention, maybe we wouldn't need to see as many doctors.

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My doctor says the dizziness and balance issues stem from being dehydrated, which is very easy in AZ. I drink water and no sugar sport drinks to alleviate this. When working on the computer and I feel an episode coming on, I grab another drink and it seems to alleviate the feeling.

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Profile picture for 1995victoria @1995victoria

I feel light headed when I get up after laying down or from a chair. I always pause for a moment to let my blood pressure get up to my head. Then I proceed to walk. If I don't pause long enough usually 5-10 seconds, then I feel a little dizzy

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@1995victoria Yes I had that exactly.. I have low normal blood pressure. All disappeared with light exercise for me.
Barbara

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Profile picture for Chuck @chucklesg

My doctor says the dizziness and balance issues stem from being dehydrated, which is very easy in AZ. I drink water and no sugar sport drinks to alleviate this. When working on the computer and I feel an episode coming on, I grab another drink and it seems to alleviate the feeling.

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@chucklesg Yes another possibility for feeling dizzy dehydration....yet, also, the fluid intake can remove too much sodium. Happened to me and another family member and the doctor explained we are flushing sodium out with liquid intake. So we have to find a balance. I try to stay aware of my potassium/sodium balance.
Barbara

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Profile picture for Chuck @chucklesg

My doctor says the dizziness and balance issues stem from being dehydrated, which is very easy in AZ. I drink water and no sugar sport drinks to alleviate this. When working on the computer and I feel an episode coming on, I grab another drink and it seems to alleviate the feeling.

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@chucklesg
Dehydration seems to be more of an issue as we get older. For me, dehydration drastically increases my heart rate. It can double very easily on me when I'm working in the yard if I don't hydrate properly. I keep Gatorade or Powerade on hand and use a 50-50 mix with water.

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Am 83.5 man. Have also been taking D and B12 for years. Last night a 3 a m. I collapsed after urinating. Seeing Dr in 2 weeks.

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I had similar symptoms for months (years?) until I was diagnosed with bradycardia during an endoscopy procedure (for GI bleed)...And since I got a Pacemaker...I'm like a new person! (well...better, anyhow). Very grateful for Dr. Judith Mackell, electrocardiology surgeon, who did a great job at University Hospitals in Cleveland!

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Profile picture for artist01 @artist01

@lacy2 and all you dizzy Connectors: I've been very dizzy for many years, with numerous blackouts that send me by ambulance to the hospital.
I've got serious IBS and my doctors have finally diagnosed this issue as Vasovagul Syndrome. I concur with their diagnoses.

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@artist01
Several years have passed since I wrote that last post about dizzy spells and fainting. I’ve now conquered the IBS diagnosis (No meds. Just a simple low-sugar bran muffin, a small serving of bran flakes with 2% lactose free milk, 1 orange and coffee each morning). My passing out episodes have dramatically decreased and were ultimately found to be caused by AFib. Feeling much better these days, at nearly 91 years of age!

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