You get your routine blood test done, open the report, and suddenly one number catches your attention:

Creatinine: High.

Your first thought might be, “Does this mean my kidneys are failing?”

Not necessarily.

Creatinine is an important marker used to assess kidney function, but one abnormal reading does not automatically mean you have kidney disease.
The result needs to be understood in the context of your overall health, other kidney tests and whether the level is changing over time.

• Dizziness can mean feeling light-headed, unsteady, weak or as if you might faint.
• Vertigo usually feels like spinning, swaying or a sensation that your surroundings are moving.

• The inner ear plays an important role in maintaining balance.
• Conditions such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) can cause brief episodes of spinning, especially when you turn your head, roll over in bed or look up.
• Other inner ear conditions can cause vertigo along with hearing changes or ringing in the ears.

• A sudden drop in blood pressure, particularly when standing up quickly, can cause light-headedness or a feeling that you may faint.
• Dehydration and certain medications can contribute to this.
• If this happens frequently, it is worth discussing with your doctor.

• Going for long periods without eating or becoming dehydrated can sometimes cause dizziness.
• You may also experience weakness, sweating, shakiness or fatigue.
• Addressing the underlying cause can help, but recurring episodes should still be evaluated.

• Some people experience dizziness or vertigo as part of a migraine, even without a typical headache.
• Episodes may be associated with sensitivity to light or sound, nausea or visual symptoms.

• Certain medicines can cause dizziness or affect blood pressure and balance.
• If your symptoms started after beginning or changing a medication, tell your doctor.
• Do not stop prescribed medication on your own.

• Less commonly, dizziness or vertigo can be associated with conditions affecting the brain or nervous system.
• This is particularly important when dizziness occurs suddenly along with other neurological symptoms.

Depending on the cause, you may experience:

• A spinning or moving sensation.
• Loss of balance or unsteadiness.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Difficulty walking.
• Ringing in the ears or hearing changes.
• Headache.
• Sweating or a feeling of weakness.

Seek urgent medical attention if sudden dizziness or vertigo occurs with:

• Weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg.
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech.
• Sudden vision changes.
• Severe difficulty walking or loss of coordination.
• A sudden, severe headache.
• Fainting or loss of consciousness.
• Chest pain or severe breathlessness.

These symptoms can sometimes indicate a serious condition, including stroke, and should not be ignored.

Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause.

• BPPV: Specific repositioning manoeuvres can often help move displaced inner-ear particles back into position.
• Inner ear conditions: Treatment may include medication, exercises or other approaches depending on the diagnosis.
• Low blood pressure or dehydration: Addressing fluid intake, medications and the underlying cause may help.
• Migraine-related dizziness: Treatment focuses on managing the migraine and identifying triggers.
• Medication-related dizziness: Your doctor may review or adjust your medicines when appropriate.
• Neurological causes: Further evaluation and condition-specific treatment may be required.

Dizziness is a symptom.
Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness.
The right treatment starts with finding the right cause.

If you are experiencing recurrent, severe or unexplained dizziness or vertigo, consult the Neurology Department at Horizon Prime Hospital for appropriate evaluation, diagnosis and treatment.

Do not just learn to live with the spinning. Find out why it is happening.

Kidney transplant eligibility cannot be decided by age, blood group or one laboratory result alone. Recipients must be fit enough to benefit from transplantation, while living donors must be carefully protected from unacceptable short-term and long-term risks.

Considering a kidney transplant or living donation? Consult an experienced nephrologist and transplant team for a complete eligibility assessment, compatibility testing and clear guidance on the next steps.

Learn about the transplant team, hospital facilities and available support on the Kidney Transplant Care in Thane service page.

Name: Horizon Prime Hospital in Thane

Address: Vibgyor, Ghodbunder Rd, near Hiranandani Estate, behind Ritu Nissan Showroom, B Wing, Patlipada, Thane West, Thane, Maharashtra 400607

Phone: 022 6855 6855

Website: prime.horizonhospital.com