The following blood tests are typically performed to investigate the causes of dizziness:
Common Blood Tests for Dizziness
A variety of blood tests can help identify potential causes of dizziness, and it's important to distinguish dizziness from vertigo. Vertigo often involves a sensation of spinning, which may require different tests. Blood tests are a valuable tool for diagnosing the reasons behind dizziness by looking at various factors.
Key Blood Tests:
- Blood Sugar: Tests for levels of glucose are important because both low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can cause dizziness.
- Blood Counts: These tests, often a complete blood count (CBC), assess levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Anemia, a condition with low red blood cells, is a common cause of dizziness.
- Electrolytes: These tests measure levels of electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and calcium. Imbalances in these can result in symptoms including dizziness.
- Thyroid Function: Tests assess how well the thyroid gland is functioning, as both an overactive and underactive thyroid can lead to dizziness.
Why These Tests Are Important
These tests help to identify common causes of dizziness. For instance, if the blood test reveals anemia or low blood sugar, these can be directly addressed with appropriate treatment. Dizziness caused by thyroid issues can also be managed once diagnosed.
Here's a summary in table format:
| Blood Test | What It Measures | Why It's Relevant to Dizziness |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Sugar | Glucose levels | Both low and high blood sugar can cause dizziness. |
| Blood Counts (CBC) | Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets | Anemia (low red blood cells) is a common cause of dizziness. |
| Electrolytes | Sodium, potassium, calcium, etc. | Imbalances can cause symptoms like dizziness. |
| Thyroid Function | Function of the thyroid gland | Both overactive and underactive thyroid can cause dizziness. |
It's crucial to remember that dizziness can stem from various issues, so your doctor will use these blood tests as part of a broader evaluation. If blood tests don’t reveal the cause, other examinations like audiology tests (especially for Ménière's disease) may be necessary.
