Why do I feel dizzy and have convulsions when getting my ears pierced?

Generally, dizziness and convulsions during ear piercing may be caused by excessive mental tension and anxiety, pain stimulation, hypoglycemia, hypotension, infection, or other factors. Symptomatic management through general treatment and medication may be necessary. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical consultation is recommended for appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Excessive Mental Tension and Anxiety

Ear piercing, as an invasive procedure, may trigger fear and anxiety in patients. This emotional state might activate the vagus nerve, leading to bradycardia and decreased blood pressure, which can cause symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, cold sweats, or even fainting. It is recommended that patients try to relax and avoid excessive tension before undergoing ear piercing.

2. Pain Stimulation

The pain sensation during ear piercing may stimulate the body, potentially causing muscle spasms and vasoconstriction, thereby leading to hypotension and cerebral hypoxia, ultimately resulting in syncope. During the piercing process, the operator should aim to complete the procedure as gently and quickly as possible to minimize the patient's pain.

3. Hypoglycemia

If patients have not eaten for an extended period before ear piercing, hypoglycemia may occur. Hypoglycemia can impair the brain's energy supply, causing dizziness. Additionally, hypoglycemia may induce muscle spasms, leading to convulsions, possibly accompanied by typical symptoms of hypoglycemia such as sweating, tremors, and palpitations. It is recommended to use medications such as glucose sodium chloride injection, hydrocortisone tablets, or mannitol injection under a doctor's guidance.

4. Hypotension

Pain and anxiety during ear piercing may further activate the sympathetic nervous system, causing a drop in blood pressure and worsening cerebral hypoperfusion, thus causing dizziness and convulsions, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as blurred vision, cold sweats, and fatigue. It is recommended to follow medical advice to use medications such as midodrine tablets, flunarizine hydrochloride capsules, or propranolol hydrochloride tablets to alleviate symptoms.

5. Infection

If proper local care is not performed after ear piercing, the wound may become infected, leading to symptoms such as fever, headache, and fatigue. In severe cases, infectious shock may occur, causing convulsions and fainting. After ear piercing, patients should ensure the wound remains clean and dry, avoiding contact with water and contaminants. If signs of infection appear, prompt medical attention is advised, and treatment should be administered under a doctor's guidance using medications such as amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets, cefradine capsules, or roxithromycin capsules.

If symptoms such as dizziness and convulsions occur during ear piercing, the operator should stop immediately, have the patient lie flat, and turn the head to one side to prevent aspiration.