Tontura

Tontura is a term used in Portuguese and Spanish to describe dizziness, lightheadedness, or faintness. It is not a disease by itself but a symptom that can have many causes. In clinical contexts, tontura can refer to a range of sensations from unsteadiness to vertigo, where the surroundings feel like they are spinning.

Common causes include dehydration, standing up quickly, low blood sugar, anemia, and certain medications. Inner-ear disorders such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) or vestibular neuritis, migraines, anxiety, hyperventilation, and withdrawal from alcohol or caffeine can also trigger tontura. The symptom may be brief or last hours and can be episodic or persistent.

Evaluation typically starts with a medical history and physical examination, including measurements of blood pressure and heart rate, and sometimes orthostatic testing. Clinicians may assess balance, hearing, eye movements, and neurological function. Depending on findings, additional tests such as audiometry, imaging (MRI or CT), or specialized vestibular assessments may be ordered to identify more serious causes.

Treatment targets the underlying cause. Adequate hydration and salt balance, or adjustment of medications, can resolve tontura related to circulation or dehydration. For BPPV, specific head and body repositioning maneuvers may relieve symptoms. Anti-nausea or anti-vertigo medicines are sometimes used short-term, and vestibular rehabilitation therapy can help with persistent dizziness. Patients should avoid driving until dizziness resolves and seek urgent care if red flags appear, such as chest pain, weakness, or sudden severe symptoms.

Prognosis varies with the cause; many cases improve with simple measures, while others require ongoing medical or rehabilitative management.