When leukopenia occurs, dizziness is a characteristic symptom. Leukopenia, also known as leukocytopenia, represents a lack of leukocytes . This means that the number of white blood cells in the body is below normal.
As a rule, the reduction in leukocytes affects their subgroup, the granulocytes . The white blood cells protect against pathogens. If their number decreases drastically, this circumstance weakens the immune system.
Dizziness appears as a result of immunodeficiency
The dizziness associated with leukopenia results from a weakness in the immune system. The reduced number of white blood cells ensures that more pathogens survive in the human body.
The leukocytes are no longer able to detect and eliminate all antigens. If the pathogens enter the bloodstream unhindered, they infect the organism of the affected person. Thus, the first uncharacteristic symptoms appear. These include:
- Weakness,
- Fatigue,
- Fever
- and nausea.
Dizziness is a very early sign of leukopenia. This is due to the general weakness of the immune system, which in the same case leads to noticeable exhaustion. In addition, the few white blood cells are no longer able to protect the red blood cells from the invading pathogens. The red blood cells, also called erythrocytes , ensure the transport of oxygen.
Without the protection of the white blood cells, this process is disrupted. Less oxygen gets through the blood to important organs, such as the brain. As a result, those affected notice slight to severe dizziness, blurred vision and balance disorders.
A slight leukopenia already leads to dizziness
Thus, the dizziness in leukopenia is considered to be a consequence of the reduced antibody count. Even with a mild form of leukopenia, the dizzy feeling occurs clearly. This occurs when the number of white blood cells is in the lower range of normal values. This means that the number measured is just under 4,000 leukocytes per microliter of blood.
If the white blood cell count continues to fall, the dizziness gets worse. In the worst case, this can lead to severe imbalances and fainting. As a rule, the reasons for leukopenia are not clear. The possible causes show up in the form of bacterial and viral infections as well as, for example, X-rays. If the doctors do not diagnose a disease, they treat the symptoms that appear.
Doctors prescribe antivertigo to treat dizziness. Such drugs have a calming effect on the vomiting center in the brain. In this way they support the center of balance. Drugs to promote blood circulation also help against dizziness in leukopenia.
Dizziness at leukopenia
In leukopenia, the number of white blood cells falls below 4,000 per microliter of blood. This causes a weakness in the immune system. The pathogens enter the bloodstream undisturbed and impede the red blood cells in transporting oxygen. This reaches the organs in a reduced concentration. The lack of oxygen in the blood causes dizziness, which can degenerate into balance disorders and fainting.
