What Causes Fibromyalgia Dizziness?

1. Trigger Points in The Jaw and Neck

It is not yet known what exactly causes dizziness and balance problems in fibromyalgia. Our neck and jaw have trigger points that could trigger a feeling of imbalance and dizziness. This is probably because the trigger points affect the nerves, which send signals to the brain where the body is in space. If the signals do not match with what it gets from the eyes, this then lead to disorientation and dizziness.

2. Hypotension – Blood Pressure Drop

Those with fibromyalgia tend to have problems with their blood pressure. A drop in the blood pressure, also known as hypotension could lead to feelings of faintness and lightheadedness. Hypotension is classified into three types. These are orthostatic hypotension, neurally mediated hypotension and postprandial hypotension. Hypotension is often classified according to when your blood pressure will drop.

• Orthostatic hypotension refers to the drop of blood pressure that takes place when you suddenly transition from lying or sitting to a standing position. This will make you feel lightheaded or dizzy, and in worse cases, fainting. POTS or Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome is one form of the orthostatic intolerance. It refers to the intolerance to the change of position, such as from lying down to upright position. This will lead to a dramatic increase of the heart rate and an abdominal drop on blood pressure. POTS happen due to an inadequate circulation of blood that limits the return of blood to the heart when standing.
• Neurally mediated hypotension is when there is an abnormality in the blood pressure, a result of the nervous system reflex. This can happen right after you exercise, during that period where you are standing or just sitting. It can also happen after an exposure to a very warm environment or a stressful event. Neurally mediated hypotension can lead to light headedness, chronic fatigue, recurrent fainting, exercise intolerance, nausea and cognitive dysfunction.
• Postprandial hypotension happens when there is a drop in blood pressure immediately after eating. This is usually common among people who have high blood pressure. This also occurs to those who are suffering from certain disorders that will impair the brain center that controls the nervous system.

• 3. Illnesses and Other Existing Conditions

  Fibromyalgia dizziness can also be due to a sudden illnesses such as flu and cold. Co-existing conditions like allergies, hyperventilation, low blood sugar, panic attacks, anemia and anxiety etc can also cause dizziness.

  4. Medications

  Many medications can also trigger fibromaylgia dizziness. They include anti-seizure drugs, antidepressants, sedatives, high blood pressure medications and tranquilizers.

  What To Do If You Experience Dizziness

  Dizziness is one of the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia. Although the symptoms may be benign, it can be debilitating and will increase your chances of getting injured. The treatment will mainly depend on the underlying cause of dizziness. Establish whether your dizziness is lightheadedness or vertigo or both and consult your doctor when necessary. Your doctor can determine the possible causes and will provide the proper treatment.