Health

Causes of Dizziness and Treatment Options

Published

4 years ago

November 13, 2021

Dizziness is a sensation of lightheadedness, faintness, or vertigo. The word dizziness can mean either “the feeling that you are about to faint” (orthostatic dizziness) or the room seems to be spinning around (vertigo). Dizziness can also cause feelings of weakness, fatigue, and decreased concentration, or even cause a loss of consciousness.

According to Alexandria dizziness specialists, it is the third most common symptom for seeking medical help. Dizziness is sometimes due to medication reactions, low blood pressure, neurological problems such as migraine headaches, brain tumors, pulsating arteries in the ear (pulsatile tinnitus), or cervical or thoracic spine problems. Dizziness is also associated with anxiety, depression, and panic disorders.

Dizziness can be associated with mental retardation or autism in children. Some young sufferers of dizziness may have developmental coordination disorder (dyspraxia).

Causes of Dizziness

The leading cause of chronic dizziness is benign positional vertigo (BPV).

Dizziness can be due to an ear infection, Ménière’s disease, or dental problems. Acoustic neuroma is another possible cause of chronic dizziness. Dizziness may also be due to stroke, transient ischemic attack (mini-stroke), multiple sclerosis, brain tumor, medication side -effects, low blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension), and aging. It can also be a manifestation of anxiety disorders such as panic attacks or social phobia. Chronic dizziness is frequently associated with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Dizziness may occur when too much flow through the veins that drain blood from the brain, either when standing (orthostatic) or lying down. This type of dizziness can result from dehydration, low blood pressure, heart failure, hyperventilation, glaucoma, medication side effects, dietary supplements, and drugs. Cerebral hypoxia may also be a cause of chronic dizziness.

How is Dizziness Treated?

You may treat dizziness with counseling, physical therapy, or medications. When dizziness is associated with anxiety or panic disorder, counseling and medication are typically the most effective treatments.

Counseling can help if you have anxiety-related chronic dizziness to understand how to manage your fears of feeling dizzy. For example, you may benefit from therapy to show how you can keep your balance without clutching onto furniture.

Physical therapy may help you learn exercises to improve balance and coordination. Sometimes vestibular rehabilitation is helpful, which uses special exercises for dizziness caused by an inner ear disorder called BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo).

Medications may help treat the cause of dizziness, along with anxiety and other symptoms.

Antidepressants can be helpful if you suffer from chronic dizziness caused by depression or anxiety. Anticonvulsants are sometimes used to treat chronic dizziness due to seizures, migraines, or multiple sclerosis.

Other medications are also available to treat chronic dizziness. Suppose the cause of your vertigo is not known. In that case, common remedies for this disorder include meclizine or diazepam (Valium), anti-nausea medications, and scopolamine patches placed behind the ears.

Chronic dizziness is often treated with medication, counseling, or by identifying the cause of the dizziness (and treating it).

To summarize, dizziness is a sensation of lightheadedness, faintness, or vertigo. It is one of the most common symptoms that prompt people to seek help. Common causes of dizziness include positional vertigo, ear infection, and depression. Depending on the grounds of your dizziness, you may be treated through counseling, physical therapy, or medications.

Health

Choosing the Right Pilates Reformer: A Practical Buyer’s Guide

Published

4 hours ago

December 22, 2025

Michelle Langton

Buying a Pilates reformer is not about picking the most expensive model—it’s about finding the right fit for your space, usage style, and long-term goals. Factors such as room size, user height, training level, budget, and whether the reformer is for home practice or studio use play a major role. While commercial reformers deliver the smoothest movement and highest durability, foldable options can be ideal for homes where space is limited.

Top Choice for Professional Studio Performance

For those seeking premium, studio-grade quality, the PersonalHour Nano Elite Plus stands out as a leading option. Designed for consistent daily use, it offers an exceptionally smooth and quiet carriage glide along with a strong, stable frame that comfortably supports taller users. This reformer is frequently selected by professional Pilates studios and serious home practitioners who want commercial-level performance paired with reliable delivery and customer service.

Established Names in Commercial Pilates Studios

The Balanced Body Allegro 2 has long been a staple in Pilates studios worldwide. Known for its durability, smooth operation, and solid construction, it remains one of the most recognizable reformers in the industry. Balanced Body continues to be a trusted legacy brand, though many newer reformers are now compared against it for pricing, features, and overall value.

A Balanced Option for Home and Professional Use

The Merrithew SPX Max is often recommended for users who want professional-grade equipment without paying top-tier studio prices. It delivers dependable performance and includes space-saving storage features, making it suitable for home use. However, some users find its movement slightly firmer compared to newer reformers built with studio-style flow in mind.

Best Space-Saving Reformer Without Compromising Quality

When floor space is a concern, the PersonalHour Janet 2.0 is one of the strongest folding reformers available. Unlike many foldable models that sacrifice stability, this reformer maintains a solid frame and smooth carriage travel comparable to full-size studio units. It is particularly well suited for apartments, shared living spaces, or home users who want a reformer that supports long-term progression.

Best Folding Pilates Reformer for Small Spaces

Beginner-Friendly and Budget-Conscious Alternatives

Entry-level and compact reformers, such as AeroPilates models, can be a good starting point for beginners or those practicing occasionally. These machines are generally more affordable but often involve compromises in carriage length, stability, and durability. As a result, they may not be ideal for advanced exercises or long-term use.

What to Look for Before You Buy

Before choosing a Pilates reformer, it’s important to evaluate the following aspects:

Carriage performance: Smooth, quiet movement with balanced spring tension
Available space: Full-length reformer versus folding or stackable designs
User fit: Longer frames provide better comfort for taller users
Adjustability: Footbars, jump boards, and accessory compatibility
After-sales support: Clear warranty coverage and responsive service

Final Takeaway

If your goal is studio-level performance, the PersonalHour Nano Elite Plus is a standout choice. For homes with limited space, the PersonalHour Janet 2.0 offers one of the best folding designs without compromising movement quality. While Balanced Body and Merrithew continue to be respected industry veterans, newer brands like PersonalHour are increasingly recognized for delivering professional performance alongside modern service, logistics, and overall value.

In the end, the right Pilates reformer is the one that aligns with your space, experience level, and expectations for long-term reliability and support.