What causes dizziness and vomiting?

2. Stomach viruses and infections

Many stomach infections cause nausea and vomiting. The inflammationthat often results from these infections is called gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis ranges from mild to severe. In rare cases, it can be life-threatening — especially in infants, older people, and those at risk of dehydration.

Excessive vomiting can lead to dizziness, especially if a person ends up dehydrated. Some people also feel dizzy when they get nauseated.

Some of the most common causes of gastroenteritis include:

• viruses, such as norovirus and rotavirus
• bacterial infections, such as E. coli and Salmonella

3. Diabetes

Diabetes makes it more difficult for the body to metabolize glucose, potentially causing very high blood sugar. People with diabetes may vomit or feel dizzy when their blood sugar goes too high or too low.

In some cases, diabetes causes a life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. Symptoms of ketoacidosis include:

• stomach pain
• dry, flushed skin
• severe thirst and frequent urination
• confusion
• fruity-smelling breath or urine

4. Inner ear issues

The inner ear helps regulate balance. Problems with the inner ear, including infections and physical injuries, can cause dizziness or vertigo.

Vertigo is the feeling that the body is moving in space, even when it is not. It may feel like a person is spinning or turning when they are standing still.

Some people may also become nauseated due to the dizziness and vomit. Inner ear problems can develop slowly over time, or come on suddenly.

If a person has inner ear problems that appear suddenly, they may have a condition called acute vestibular syndrome. A wide range of health issues can cause acute vestibular syndrome.

However, about 4 percent of people experiencing an ischemic strokehave symptoms of acute vestibular syndrome. If dizziness is intense or interferes with a person's ability to function properly, it is essential to see a doctor.

5. Liver problems

The liver acts as the body's detoxification system. If the liver is not working properly, a person may feel dizzy or vomit.

Liver problems may also cause very dark urine, intense pain in the upper right side of the body, and yellow skin and eyes.

Sometimes a gallstone can block a bile duct, causing liver issues. If the body can pass the gallstone, the symptoms may suddenly go away on their own.

If the gallstone cannot pass, symptoms tend to get progressively more intense. Liver health problems always warrant speaking to a doctor.

6. Neurological health problems

When something goes wrong in the brain, it can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and a wide range of other symptoms.

Infections, cysts, injuries, strokes, bleeds, or tumors can all affect various parts of the brain. People who become dizzy following a car accident or blow to the head should see a doctor.

7. Migraines

Many people experience changes in vision and perception immediately before a migraine. It is also common to feel dizzy, vomit, and be sensitive to bright lights.

It is possible to feel dizzy from a migraine with little or no headache.

8. Motion sickness

Moving in a car, boat, airplane, or another vehicle can confuse the body's balance system. For some people, this causes motion sickness and may trigger headaches, dizziness, or vomiting.

Symptoms usually go away after a person gets back on stable ground.

9. Cyclic vomiting syndrome

Frequent bouts of dizziness and vomiting may be due to a poorly understood condition is called cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS).

CVS sometimes gets better with diet changes, but there is little research explaining what causes this syndrome.

While there is no standard treatment for CVS, medications for nausea, migraines, acid reflux, and anxiety may provide some symptomatic relief.

10. Alcohol or drugs

A wide range of illicit drugs can cause nausea and vomiting, as well as dizziness. These symptoms are particularly likely following heavy use.

A night of binge drinking can also lead to a variety of symptoms including vomiting, dizziness, spinning, and headaches.

11. Poisoning

Sudden, unexplained dizziness and vomiting can sometimes indicatepoisoning.

Poisoning is more likely when a person has been in contaminated areas, inhaled potentially toxic substances, been exposed to radiation, or consumed food or water that might be contaminated.

12. Organ injury

Organ failure and physical trauma can cause intense nausea and stomach pain, as well as vomiting and dizziness.

If a person has recently suffered a physical injury, had a severe infection, or is at risk of organ failure, they should consider the possibility of organ problems causing dizziness and vomiting.

A perforation in the intestines can cause nausea and dizziness. Severe appendicitis and injuries to the pancreas can also cause similar symptoms.

Home remedies

Not all home remedies work for all forms of vomiting and dizziness. If either symptom is severe, it is vital to seek medical attention.

When symptoms are mild or come and go, a person can try some of the following strategies:

• Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. An electrolyte replacement drink may also help.
• Using a carbonated beverage to help settle the stomach.
• Lying down in a cool, quiet place to rest.
• Avoiding bright lights, loud sounds, and anything that might overstimulate the brain.
• Eating a bland diet until vomiting stops. Clear liquids, such as broths, tea, and juices, may also help.
• Trying an over-the-counter stomach medication to reduce vomiting.

When to see a doctor

People should see a doctor within 24 hours if:

• Vomiting occurs with a fever.
• Vomiting is intense, and it is impossible to keep any food down.
• Vomiting related to pregnancy is getting worse.
• A migraine headache is getting worse or will not go away.

Go to the emergency room or seek urgent care if:

• There are signs of a stroke, such as a droopy face, balance changes, muscle weakness, changes in consciousness, an intense headache, new numbness or tingling, or difficulty thinking or speaking clearly.
• There is blood in the vomit, or the vomit looks like coffee grounds.
• Symptoms occur after a head injury, car accident, or blow to the stomach.
• There are signs of liver failure, such as yellow skin or pain in the upper right abdomen.
• Pain in the stomach or head is intense or unbearable.
• A person with diabetes has symptoms of ketoacidosis.

Takeaway

Dizziness and vomiting are never pleasant but often go away on their own. There is often no need to panic if these symptoms suddenly appear, but it is vital to be aware of possible causes that warrant medical attention.

If the dizziness and vomiting get worse or persist, a person should speak to a doctor for a proper diagnosis.

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