I have a friend, when she bends over she gets light headed. Then the other night, she said she got light headed for no apparent reason. What be some of the reasons? other than pregnancy, she`s already past that point in life.

Light headedness is a symptom of some other illness and is not an illness in itself. There are no common causes of it most of the time, but it may be indicative of some serious problem if it occurs frequently in one particular person. Light headedness usually takes place when there is a decided lack of oxygen to the brain. This can also happen when there is a cut off or slow down of blood supply to the brain. This can occur due to many reasons. The most common reasons that can affect the natural flow of blood to the brain are surprise and shock. You may have heard the description that the 'blood simply drained out of her head', and this is what it refers to. The other reasons could be low blood pressure, rapid dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, low blood sugar and anemia. In the case of older people, the experience of light headedness takes place when they move from their sitting or lying postures too quickly or when they do their physical activities too quickly, in a hurry. As a symptom of other diseases, it may be a sign of minor illnesses such as flu, low blood sugar, common cold and other seasonal allergies. However, it can also be a sign of other dangerous and fatal conditions such as heart rhythm, heart attack, heart arrhythmias, strokes, brain tumors, bleeding and other heart problems. But such conditions usually have more accompanying symptoms like vertigo, which is the most common after light headedness. In very rare cases light headedness may indicate problems regarding the central nervous system. It is often provoked by the use of drugs or some antibiotics.

Light headedness can also be dealt with easily, unless it is the case of a fatal disease. To avoid dizziness, you must drink a lot of fluids, especially water, and must eat your meals regularly so as to increase oxygen level in your body. You should eat sweets or candies when sudden dizziness takes place. You should take proper medication, after consulting a doctor only. In cases of emergencies, you can change your body positions so as to increase blood flow to the brain and the heart and thus reduce chances of fainting. Some common body positions are lying down or bowing and lowering your head between your legs. These are very relaxing. If your friend has been experiencing regular light headedness, she must consult a doctor.

answered by G M

Causes of light headedness

Light headedness, also known as dizziness, is a symptom and not a disease in itself. Most of the time, it is temporary and mild and has no obvious cause. It could also be a sign of some other problem.

Dizziness usually occurs when there is a lack of blood supply to the brain. It could be caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure, dehydration from vomiting, diarrhoea or fever. With age, this experience can sometimes occur if you suddenly change your posture - for instance, if you suddenly stand up or sit up from a lying down position. Light headedness is also often a rather scary symptom of a minor illness such as the flu, low blood sugar, an oncoming cold, or seasonal allergies. However, in addition, heart arrhythmias, strokes, brain tumours, and several other serious conditions can also lead to light headedness. These are usually, however, accompanied by other symptoms as well. Vertigo is among the commonest causes of chronic dizziness. It is usually the result of a disorder or infection of the inner ear. Sometimes, it might also indicate a problem with the central nervous system.

As you can see, your friend could have a serious problem, and there are too many possibilities to say what it is for sure. It is best that she visit a doctor.

answered by G M