What causes dizziness, vertigo, and a sensation of weightlessness?

Jun 25, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yang Ziqi

Introduction

In general, dizziness, vertigo, and a sensation of weightlessness may be caused by factors such as sleep deprivation, excessive fatigue, emotional excitement, changes in body position, hypoglycemia, or cervical spondylosis. Symptomatic management may involve general treatment measures or medication. It is recommended to maintain a balanced diet, increase intake of iron- and B-vitamin-rich foods such as meat and leafy green vegetables, and reduce the risk of dizziness.

Generally, dizziness, vertigo, and a sensation of weightlessness may be caused by factors such as lack of sleep, excessive fatigue, emotional excitement, changes in body position, hypoglycemia, or cervical spondylosis. Symptomatic treatment through general therapy or medication is usually required. If physical discomfort occurs, it is advisable to seek medical examination and treatment at a hospital as early as possible. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Insufficient Sleep

Long-term lack of sleep or poor sleep quality may prevent the brain and body from receiving adequate rest, limiting the brain's vascular dilation function, and subsequently causing dizziness, vertigo, and a sensation of weightlessness. It is recommended to adjust the sleep schedule and ensure sufficient sleep time daily.

2. Excessive Fatigue or Emotional Excitement

Excessive fatigue, emotional excitement, or pain stimulation may lead to vasovagal reflex, causing blood vessel dilation and transient cerebral hypoperfusion, thus resulting in dizziness, vertigo, and a sensation of weightlessness. It is advisable to rest appropriately, maintain a balance between work and relaxation, and avoid prolonged states of tension or excitement in daily life.

3. Changes in Body Position

When body position changes suddenly, blood must rapidly redistribute to maintain cerebral blood supply. Failure to deliver sufficient blood to the brain promptly may cause temporary hypotension, leading to dizziness, vertigo, and a sensation of weightlessness, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as visual darkening, tinnitus, and nausea. It is recommended to change positions slowly and avoid sudden standing from lying or sitting positions.

4. Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar levels can impair brain function by affecting the brain's energy supply, causing dizziness, vertigo, and a sensation of weightlessness, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and palpitations. It is recommended to follow medical advice to use medications such as glucose and sodium chloride injection, hydrocortisone tablets, and mannitol injection, while regularly monitoring blood glucose levels.

5. Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis is usually associated with chronic strain and degenerative changes in the cervical spine. Compression of blood vessels due to cervical spine issues can impair cerebral blood supply, potentially causing dizziness, vertigo, a sensation of weightlessness, neck stiffness, or numbness in the hands. It is recommended to follow medical instructions to use medications such as chlorzoxazone tablets, eperisone hydrochloride tablets, and sodium naproxen tablets to alleviate symptoms.

It is also recommended to maintain a balanced diet, increase intake of foods rich in iron and B vitamins, such as meat and leafy green vegetables, and reduce the risk of dizziness.

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Which department should you visit for anemia?

In general, patients with anemia can choose to visit the hematology department, gastroenterology department, gynecology department, nephrology department, or endocrinology department based on specific symptoms and possible causes. Additionally, if anemia is accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, and fatigue with unclear etiology, patients may first go to a general practice clinic for initial screening, then be referred to the appropriate specialist according to the test results.