I get dizzy when I laugh, do I need to see a doctor?

Dear Ask The Doctor: Over the past year, when I find myself laughing hard, I end up getting very dizzy to the point of having to find something to hold on to so that I don't hit the floor. It only lasts a few seconds, is this something that needs to be checked out and if so, who do I need to see?

Dear Melisa: Dizziness is a very unspecific complaint and there could be numerous conditions that have dizziness as a symptom. Dizziness is a complaint and may involve problems with the brain, inner ear, heart, blood vessels, lungs and certain neurological problems. I would definitely not take light of the symptoms and would advise that you see your doctor or a neurologist to rule out problems such as anemia, orthostatic hypotension, hyperventilation syndrome and hypothyroidism. Treating the dizziness that accompanies these medical problems should always begin by identifying the underlying disease and treating it directly.