Dizziness

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
2020-03-06

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

What is causing your loss of balance?

By Professor Owen Judd
2020-03-06

Developing sudden symptoms of dizziness and loss of balance can be confusing and frightening. Professor Owen Judd, a highly-trained consultant ENT surgeon with a special interest in balance disorders, explains a few causes as to why you might be experiencing these symptoms. See more

Can your ears make you feel dizzy?

By Professor Owen Judd
2020-02-26

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

What would losing your balance feel like?

By Professor Owen Judd
2020-02-25

Have you ever wondered what it might feel like to lose your sense of balance? Balance in humans is a complex interplay of various inbuilt systems in the body. It enables us to complete basic tasks in our day and we all take it for granted. Professor Owen Judd, a highly-trained consultant ENT surgeon with a special interest in balance disorders, explains what a balance disorder would feel like. See more

Experts in

Book online Call
Dr Hadi Manji
Neurology

Expert in:
- Neurological disorders
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Memory disorder
- Parkinson's
- Neurological treatments
Book online Call
Professor Simon Lloyd
Otolaryngology / ENT

See opinions (3)

Expert in:
- Otology
- Perforation of the eardrum
- Cochlear Implants
- Acoustic neuroma
- Dizziness
- Tinnitus