Dizziness
Specialty of Neurology
What is dizziness?
Dizziness refers to feeling light-headed, off-balance, faint, like you are spinning, or like things are spinning around you (also called vertigo). Dizziness is very common and it’s not something which is usually a cause for concern. It can happen, for example, when we stand up too quickly after bending down, or when we’re feeling particularly hot. However, dizziness can also be a symptom experienced with certain conditions or an indication of an underlying problem.
What causes dizziness?
While dizziness is common, there are certain conditions which can cause you to feel dizzy for no obvious reason, of which there are many. Some of the more commonly experienced conditions include:
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Inner ear conditions/infections, e.g Ménière’s disease
- Heart problems
- Stomach flu
- Colds and flu
- Anorexia
- Fibromyalgia
- Agoraphobia
- Panic attacks
You may also feel dizzy during pregnancy. It’s important to visit your doctor if your dizziness keeps coming back, or if you experience symptoms such as vision loss, double vision, limb numbness/weakness, tinnitus (ringing or sounds coming from inside the ears), hearing loss, or nausea along with the dizziness.
How is dizziness treated?
Dizziness is a symptom rather than a condition, so if it is caused by an underlying condition then the condition itself must be treated. However, if you feel dizzy and it is not a common occurrence, there are things you can do to help the dizziness go away:
- Lie down until the dizziness passes
- Make slow, careful movements
- Drink enough fluids and keep hydrated
- Get up slowly if you do need to lie down
If dizziness is a regular occurrence then you should make an appointment with your GP, who can refer you to a specialist if necessary.
Articles related to
What is vestibular migraine?
By Professor Owen Judd
2019-09-09
Vestibular migraine is a condition in which you may experience repeated episodes of dizziness and vertigo. You may not necessarily experience headaches at the same time of these symptoms, however. Professor Owen Judd, a top ENT surgeon with a special interest in neurotology (disorders of the brain and ear), explains what vestibular migraine is and how it can be treated. See more
I'm feeling dizzy - should I be worried?
By Mr Ibrahim Albert Srouji
2019-09-08
Dizziness itself is not often a cause for concern, especially if it's ear-related. If it persists, however, it needs to be looked at by a doctor. We've asked one of our ENT specialists Mr Ibrahim Srouji to explain what it feels like, other symptoms and how it can be managed. See more
Can your ears make you feel dizzy?
By Professor Owen Judd
2019-09-05
When can a problem in your ears cause dizziness – and what can you do about it? We spoke to highly-trained consultant ENT surgeon Professor Owen Judd: See more
Experts in
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Dr Hadi Manji
NeurologyExpert in:
- Neurological disorders
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Memory disorder
- Parkinson's
- Neurological treatments
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Dr Dora Lozsadi
NeurologyExpert in:
- Epilepsy
- Headache
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Professor Owen Judd
Otolaryngology / ENTExpert in:
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- Dizziness
- Voice disorders
- Migraines
- Paediatric ENT
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