Lightheadedness is a disorienting symptom many individuals report experiencing during or after a COVID-19 infection. The SARS-CoV-2 virus can manifest in various ways, with symptoms ranging widely among affected people. While some experience mild or no symptoms, others contend with a spectrum of effects, including lightheadedness.
Why COVID Can Cause Lightheadedness
Lightheadedness during a COVID-19 infection can stem from several physiological responses. Dehydration is a common contributing factor, often resulting from fever, reduced fluid intake, or gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. When the body loses fluids, blood volume can decrease, leading to less blood flow to the brain and a sensation of lightheadedness.
Systemic inflammation triggered by the immune system’s response to the virus contributes to lightheadedness. The body’s defense mechanisms release proteins called cytokines, which, in excessive amounts, can cause widespread inflammation. This inflammatory state may disrupt the autonomic nervous system, controlling involuntary bodily functions like blood pressure and heart rate. Such disruption can lead to orthostatic hypotension, where blood pressure drops significantly upon standing, causing lightheadedness or a feeling of being about to faint.
The virus also has the potential to affect nerve tissue directly, including cranial or vestibular nerves involved in balance. Damage to these nerves or the brain’s balance circuits can lead to a feeling of unsteadiness. The general malaise and fatigue associated with COVID-19, coupled with potential heart problems like inflammation or irregular heartbeats, can also reduce oxygenated blood flow to the brain, contributing to lightheadedness. Inadequate lung function due to pneumonia, a complication of COVID-19, can also impair oxygen supply, worsening these feelings.
Understanding Different Sensations
It is helpful to distinguish lightheadedness from other sensations broadly termed “dizziness.” Lightheadedness is characterized by a feeling that you are about to faint or “pass out.” This sensation may include feeling woozy or heavy-headed, and it improves when you lie down. People experiencing lightheadedness do not feel as though they or their surroundings are moving.
In contrast, vertigo involves a false sensation of movement, where you or your surroundings feel like they are spinning, whirling, or tilting. This sensation can be debilitating and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or difficulty walking. Dizziness is a broader term encompassing various sensations, including lightheadedness, vertigo, and disequilibrium, a feeling of unsteadiness. Understanding these distinctions can help in describing symptoms to a healthcare provider.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
While lightheadedness can be a common symptom of COVID-19, certain signs warrant immediate medical attention. If lightheadedness is severe, persistent, or leads to fainting, seek professional help. Other concerning symptoms that should prompt a call to a healthcare provider or emergency services include trouble breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, or new confusion.
A person should also seek emergency care if they experience an inability to wake or stay awake, or if their skin, lips, or nail beds appear pale, gray, or blue, indicating poor oxygen circulation. If symptoms worsen or do not improve with rest and hydration, or if you have underlying health conditions that could be exacerbated by the illness, contact a doctor. This guidance is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice.
Managing Lightheadedness and Recovery
Managing lightheadedness during an acute COVID-19 infection involves several practical steps to support recovery. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of nonalcoholic fluids, as dehydration can worsen lightheadedness. Resting adequately and avoiding sudden movements, particularly when changing positions from lying or sitting to standing, can prevent a sudden drop in blood pressure that triggers lightheadedness. It may be beneficial to sit on the edge of the bed for a few minutes before standing completely. Eating small, frequent meals can also help maintain stable blood sugar levels, which can influence feelings of lightheadedness.
For some individuals, lightheadedness may persist long after the initial infection, a condition often referred to as “Long COVID” or Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC). This prolonged symptom can be related to autonomic dysfunction, such as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), where the heart rate increases significantly upon standing, leading to lightheadedness and fatigue. If lightheadedness continues for weeks or months, especially if accompanied by other lingering symptoms like brain fog or extreme fatigue, follow up with a doctor for further evaluation and management.