It's common to sometimes feel dizzy, lightheaded or off-balance, and it's not usually serious. See a GP if you're worried. Show
Check if you have dizzinessDizziness includes feeling:
How you can treat dizziness yourselfDizziness usually goes away on its own. But there are things you can do to take care of yourself while you're feeling dizzy. Do
Don’t
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
Causes of dizzinessIf you have other symptoms, this might give you an idea of the cause. Do not self-diagnose. See a GP if you're worried. Dizziness while you're ill with something elseDizziness often goes away after you're treated for something else. For example:
Possible causes of dizziness when you're not ill.Dizziness symptomsPossible causesWhen standing or sitting up suddenlySudden drop in blood pressure (postural hypotension)Feeling off-balance, losing some hearing, ringing or other sounds in your ears (tinnitus)Inner-ear problemsFeeling off-balance or like things are spinning, feeling or being sick, sometimes after a cold or fluLabyrinthitisAfter starting new prescription medicineSide effect of medicineWith symptoms like hearing loss, double vision, blurred vision, numb face, arms or legsDecreased blood flow to the brain, possibly from clogged arteries (atherosclerosis) Dizziness is a term that describes a range of feelings, such as feeling unsteady, woozy, weak or faint. It is something that most people may experience from time to time. It is rarely the sign of a serious problem. There are ways to relieve dizziness. What are the symptoms of dizziness?If you are feeling dizzy, or experiencing a ‘dizzy spell’, you will usually feel light-headed, unsteady or unbalanced and you may also feel weak. You might also feel like you’re going to faint. If you feel like the world is spinning or moving, this is called vertigo. CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the dizziness and lightheadedness Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help. What causes dizziness?Dizziness is common in adults, but it is rarely the sign of a serious condition. Dizziness has many possible causes, including: Some medicines (check the patient information leaflet) and alcohol can also make you feel dizzy. Causes of feeling faintFeeling faint is common and happens when blood flow to the brain is reduced. This can be caused by a number of factors, such as:
When should I see my doctor?You should seek medical attention if you feel dizzy and also have:
See your GP if you have an unexplained fall, or you are worried by your dizziness, or if your dizziness is sudden, severe, or prolonged or keeps happening. FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services. ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist. How is dizziness diagnosed?Your doctor will examine you, and ask you about your symptoms and medications. You may also need a hearing test and balance tests, blood tests and other tests to check heart and blood vessel health. How is dizziness treated?Dizziness often gets better without treatment. If you need treatment, it will depend on what is causing your dizziness. Even if a cause can’t be found, there are effective ways to treat dizziness, including medications and balance exercises. How do you know when dizziness is serious?Generally, see your doctor if you experience any recurrent, sudden, severe, or prolonged and unexplained dizziness or vertigo. Get emergency medical care if you experience new, severe dizziness or vertigo along with any of the following: Sudden, severe headache. Chest pain.
What is the most common cause of dizziness?Inner ear disorders are frequently the cause of feeling dizzy. The most common causes include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere's syndrome and ear infections. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) makes you dizzy when you change your head or body position (like bending over).
How do I know if my dizziness is heart related?In most cases, dizziness associated with heart problems is accompanied by other symptoms. These may include shortness of breath, swollen extremities, frequent fatigue or chest pain. In the event heart disease is suspected, you will undergo one or more tests to get to the root of your problem.
What are the four types of dizziness?Dizziness can be classified into four main types: vertigo, disequilibrium, presyncope, or lightheadedness. Although appropriate history and physical examination usually leads to a diagnosis, the final cause of dizziness is not identified in up to one in five patients.
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