Dizziness

Many cancer patients experience dizziness. Dizziness can be due to cancer or its treatment. You may feel light headedness, losing balance, or seeing surroundings spinning around. You may, at the same time, have nausea and headache.

Potential causes of dizziness include:

• Anaemia
• Electrolyte disturbance
• Orthostatic hypotension: caused when blood pressure suddenly drops after changing posture or getting up too rapidly.
• Low blood sugar
• Dehydration
• Heart problems
• Infection
• Anxiety and depression
• Cancer in the brain: This could be tumour primary from the brain or other cancers spreading to the brain.
• Medications, e.g.:
  • Pain medications
  • Antihistamines
  • Anti-seizure medications
  • Antidepressants
  • Anti-hypertensives (medications for hypertension)
  • Chemotherapy or targeted therapy

• You should tell your doctor in case of dizziness about its pattern, triggers, current medications, and any other associated symptoms.
• Here are tips to cope with dizziness:
  • Keep hydrated. 
    • Aim at 8 to 12 glasses of water every day.
    • Avoid beverages with caffeine such as coffee, tea and soda, as well as alcohol.These drinks may cause dehydration or worsen dizziness.
  • Change positions slowly. For example, sit up carefully from a lying position. If one gets dizzy when they stand up, hold a furniture for balance and stand up slower than usual.
  • Walk slowly and carefully when feeling dizzy. Hold handrails when going up and down stairs.
  • Consider mobility aids, such as a walker or shower chair, to keep safe from falls.
  • You may be referred to an occupational therapist or physiotherapist who can teach you different mobility exercises and help you regain balance.

American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO): Dizziness