What causes dizziness and weakness in children?

Jun 20, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
In general, dizziness and weakness in children may be caused by excessive fatigue, lack of sleep, dehydration, hypoglycemia, anemia, or other similar reasons. Symptomatic treatments such as general care and medication may be necessary. It is recommended to provide children with adequate nutrition in their daily diet, including foods rich in protein, iron, and vitamins, such as eggs, milk, and spinach, which can help support children's physical health.

Generally, dizziness and weakness in children may be caused by overexertion, lack of sleep, dehydration, hypoglycemia, anemia, or other reasons. Symptomatic treatment such as general care or medication may be needed. If symptoms persist, it is recommended to seek medical advice promptly and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Overexertion

After prolonged play or study, children may expend excessive energy, which cannot meet the normal operational needs of the body, especially the brain's energy demands, thus causing dizziness and a feeling of weakness. It is recommended to let the child rest appropriately and replenish energy to alleviate symptoms of dizziness and weakness.

2. Lack of Sleep

Insufficient sleep in children can affect normal metabolism and recovery, leading to decreased physical function and resulting in dizziness and weakness. It is recommended to ensure children have adequate sleep duration, establish regular sleeping habits, and avoid excessive excitement or strenuous exercise before bedtime.

3. Dehydration

Children who engage in activities in high-temperature environments or who fail to replenish fluids timely after diarrhea or vomiting are prone to dehydration. Dehydration can lead to reduced body fluids, decreased blood circulation, impaired normal functions of the brain and muscles, and cause symptoms such as dizziness and weakness. It may also be accompanied by thirst, reduced urine output with dark color, and decreased skin elasticity. It is recommended to promptly replenish water or oral rehydration solutions to restore fluid balance.

4. Hypoglycemia

When children go for a long time without eating or consume excessive energy without timely replenishment, hypoglycemia may occur. When blood glucose levels are too low, the brain may experience dysfunction, leading to dizziness and weakness. It may also be accompanied by hunger, cold sweats, palpitations, and other symptoms. It is recommended to use medications such as glucose sodium chloride injection, hydrocortisone tablets, or mannitol injection as directed by a physician to relieve symptoms.

5. Anemia

Deficiency of essential nutrients for blood production such as iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid in children may lead to anemia. With anemia, oxygen transport capacity decreases, causing symptoms such as dizziness and weakness, and may also be accompanied by pallor, fatigue, and shortness of breath. It is recommended to treat under a doctor's guidance with medications such as ferrous gluconate syrup, iron dextran granules, vitamin B12 tablets, etc.

It is recommended to appropriately supplement children's daily diet with nutrients and provide foods rich in protein, iron, and vitamins, such as eggs, milk, spinach, etc., which are beneficial to children's health.