๐ 5 Everyday Triggers of Dizziness—and How to Stop the Spin in Fishers & Fort Ben
Feeling like the room is spinning when you stand up? Ever get dizzy while driving, exercising, or even just walking around your home? Dizziness isn’t just disruptive—it can be dangerous. It's actually one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention, especially here in communities like Fishers and Fort Ben, Indiana.
Dizziness can lead to imbalance, falls, missed work, and even automobile accidents. That’s why understanding what’s behind your dizziness—and what you can do about it—is so important. You don’t have to “just live with it.” In fact, in many cases, dizziness can be reduced or resolved with the right care.
Let’s break down the 5 most common, everyday triggers of dizziness, along with steps to take if you’ve been dealing with this unsettling and often misunderstood symptom.
1. ๐ง Dehydration: The Sneaky Dizziness Trigger
It’s easy to forget to hydrate, especially when Indiana weather swings from humid summers to chilly winters. Yet dehydration is one of the biggest culprits behind dizziness, especially in active adults and older patients.
When you're dehydrated, your blood volume drops, causing your blood pressure to fall—and that can quickly lead to lightheadedness or fainting.
You may be dehydrated if:
- Your mouth is dry
- Your urine is dark yellow
- You feel tired or sluggish
- You get dizzy when standing up
Try This: In Fishers and Fort Ben, where outdoor activities like walking Geist Reservoir or Fort Harrison State Park are popular, carry a reusable water bottle with you. Aim to drink 6–8 glasses of water per day, or more if you're sweating or on the go.
2. ๐ Medications: Not Always the Helper You Expect
Did your dizziness start soon after starting or changing a medication? You're not alone. Medications for allergies, blood pressure, anxiety, and pain can all affect your nervous system, blood pressure, or inner ear—leading to dizziness or balance issues.
Common medications that may cause dizziness:
- Anti-anxiety drugs like Xanax or Valium
- Antidepressants (SSRIs and tricyclics)
- Blood pressure medications (beta blockers, diuretics)
- Pain relievers like opioids
- Over-the-counter antihistamines (like Benadryl)
Rather than stopping a medication on your own, which can be risky, talk to your primary care doctor or pharmacist. And don’t forget to let your physical therapist know—dizziness caused by meds can still be managed through safe, guided balance therapy.
3. ๐ง Vestibular Disorders: It Might Be Your Inner Ear
Your inner ear helps control balance, spatial orientation, and movement coordination. When something goes wrong in your vestibular system, dizziness is very often the result.
One of the most common vestibular conditions is BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo), where tiny calcium particles in your inner ear get dislodged and interfere with balance signals. The result? Sudden, spinning dizziness often triggered by head movements—like turning in bed or looking up.
A few signs of vestibular dizziness:
- Vertigo that lasts seconds to minutes
- Dizziness brought on by certain head movements
- Nausea or vomiting
- Trouble walking straight or maintaining posture
Good News: Vestibular rehabilitation can provide long-term relief. At our FYZICAL locations in Fishers and Fort Benjamin Harrison, we use specialized techniques like the Epley Maneuver to gently reposition ear crystals and restore balance—often in just 1–2 visits!
4. Orthostatic Hypotension: When Standing Makes You Sway
Standing up quickly and suddenly feeling dizzy, fuzzy, or even like you might faint? You may be dealing with orthostatic hypotension, a condition where blood pressure drops rapidly as you change positions.
It’s especially common in older adults, people with heart conditions, and those with conditions like POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), which impacts the autonomic nervous system and can be quite common in teens and young adults in the Fishers and Fort Ben area.
Try This at Home:
- Get up slowly, especially in the morning
- Flex your feet and legs before standing to increase blood flow
- Stay hydrated and make sure you're getting enough salt (under medical guidance)
If dizziness happens every time you stand, it’s time to schedule a balance and blood pressure screening—something we offer for free at FYZICAL in Fishers and Fort Ben.
5. ๐ง Anxiety & Stress: The Mind-Body Balance Link
Did you know anxiety can cause dizziness? Your brain and balance systems are more connected than most people think. Stress triggers your fight-or-flight response, which changes your breathing and blood flow. That in turn can reduce oxygen flow to the brain—leaving you feeling woozy or off-kilter.
This can create what feels like a vicious cycle—dizziness causes stress, and stress causes more dizziness.
To break the cycle:
- Try deep breathing or meditation
- Engage in slow, controlled movement therapy
- Limit caffeine and alcohol
- Seek balance-specific physical therapy to retrain your system
At FYZICAL, we see patients daily who’ve battled dizziness caused by both stress and physical challenges. You’re not alone, and we have the tools and techniques to help.
๐จ Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Dizziness in Fishers or Fort Ben
Dizziness isn’t just annoying—it can be a sign of a deeper issue. It also dramatically increases your fall risk, especially in people over 50. Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults—and can often be prevented through early screening and therapy.
Whether your dizziness is caused by medication, inner ear issues, blood pressure, or something else, the key is proper diagnosis and a customized approach.
๐งญ How FYZICAL Therapy in Fishers & Fort Ben Can Help
At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers in Fishers and Fort Ben, Indiana, we specialize in helping people just like you get to the root cause of dizziness and restore confidence and stability.
We offer:
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FREE balance and vestibular screenings
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Certified vestibular rehabilitation therapists
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Private, guided exercise and movement programs
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State-of-the-art balance training equipment
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Customized plans for POTS, BPPV, dysautonomia, and more
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Medicare and most insurances accepted
Your balance matters—and so does your life.
๐ Ready to Stop the Spin?
Call us today:
- ๐ Fishers, IN — (317) 588-9333
- ๐ Fort Ben, IN — (317) 723-6089
๐ป Or book your free screening now at Our Online Scheduling Tool
Don’t let dizziness slow you down. Reclaim your balance—starting today.