What causes sudden dizziness and nausea, and what should I do?

Generally, sudden dizziness and nausea may be caused by excessive fatigue, abruptly standing up after prolonged squatting or sitting, cervical spondylosis, otolith disease, hypoglycemia, and other related factors. These conditions are usually managed through general treatment, physical therapy, medication, and other approaches.

1. Excessive fatigue: Prolonged physical or mental exertion and insufficient sleep can lead to excessive fatigue, causing bodily dysfunction and disrupted cerebral blood circulation, which may result in dizziness. It is recommended to adjust lifestyle habits, ensure adequate sleep, and avoid overexertion.

2. Sudden standing after prolonged squatting or sitting: Extended periods of squatting or sitting can cause blood to pool in the lower limbs. When standing up suddenly, the rapid postural change prevents blood from returning to the heart adequately within a short time, resulting in insufficient blood supply from the heart to the brain, causing dizziness and nausea. It is recommended to immediately lower your center of gravity to improve cerebral blood supply.

3. Cervical spondylosis: Cervical spine disorders may compress the vertebral artery, impairing cerebral blood supply and causing dizziness. Additionally, cervical abnormalities may stimulate the cervical sympathetic nerves, leading to symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. It is recommended to undergo physical therapies such as heat application, massage, and acupuncture under a physician's guidance to relieve neck muscle tension and alleviate symptoms.

4. Otolith disease: Also known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), this condition occurs when otolith particles become dislodged and enter the semicircular canals of the inner ear. Once displaced into the semicircular canals, these particles disrupt the function of the balance receptors, causing dizziness. The dizziness may trigger gastrointestinal responses via neural reflex pathways between the inner ear and the gastrointestinal tract. It is recommended to undergo repositioning maneuvers or machine-assisted repositioning under a physician's guidance to gradually restore inner ear balance function.

5. Hypoglycemia: The brain primarily relies on glucose for energy. When blood glucose levels are too low, brain function may become impaired, leading to dizziness. Additionally, the body may initiate a stress response that stimulates the gastrointestinal tract, causing nausea. If symptoms are severe, immediate medical attention is advised, and medications such as glucose injections and furosemide tablets may be administered under a physician's supervision to raise blood sugar levels.

When experiencing sudden dizziness and nausea, immediately find a safe place to sit or lie down to prevent falls. If symptoms persist or do not improve, prompt medical consultation is recommended to determine the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment.