Definition

Dizziness may cause you to feel light-headed or weak. You may feel like you are going to faint. Dizziness can happen for a short period of time or be a long-lasting condition that gets in the way of your daily activities.

Causes

A common cause of dizziness is vertigo. Vertigo makes you feel like the room is spinning or rotating while you are still.

Many conditions can cause dizziness such as:

    
  • Orthostatic hypotension, a drop in blood pressure when standing
  • Neurological conditions
  • Conditions that affect how the heart pumps blood to the body
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Alcohol or illicit drug use
  • Infection or fever
  • Head injury
  • Hypoglycemia, low blood sugar
  • Anemia

    • Prescription medications can also cause dizziness. These may include:

        
  • angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
  • Calcium channel blockers
  • Nitrates
  • Antipsychotics
  • Tricyclic antidepressants
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors

    • Blood Flow to the Brain

    Nucleus factsheet image

    In some cases, dizziness may be due to decreased blood flow to the brain.

    Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

    Risk Factors

    Dizziness is a symptom that may be caused by another condition. There are no risk factors for dizziness.

    Symptoms

    Symptoms depend on the type of dizziness you have. Common symptoms include:

        
  • Lightheadedness
  • Imbalance
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Headache
  • Vision or hearing problems
  • Heart palpitations

    • When Should I Call My Doctor?

    Call your doctor if you:

        
  • Are having episodes of dizziness, especially if they are happening more often or are worse in intensity
  • Have signs of an infection such as fever or chills
  • Are concerned that your medication may be causing dizziness
  • Experience hearing loss

    • When Should I Call for Medical Help Immediately?

    Call for medical help or go to the emergency room right away if you have:

        
  • A head injury
  • Rapid, irregular heartbeat, or chest pain
  • High fever

    • Look for and know the signs of stroke. These may include:

        
  • Face drooping—one side of the face is numb or drooping
  • Arm weakness—one arm is numb, weak, or drifts downward when trying to raise it up
  • Speech difficulty—includes slurring, inability to speak, or inability to repeat a simple sentence
  • Leg numbness or weakness
  • Confusion or difficulty understanding
  • Difficulty walking
  • Loss of balance
  • Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

    • Diagnosis

    Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Your doctor may recommend the following to find the cause of your dizziness:

        
  • Blood tests
  • Blood pressure tests
  • Hearing and vision tests
  • Tilt table test
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)
  • CT scan
  • MRI scan

    • Treatment

    Treatment depends on the cause of the dizziness. If your dizziness is caused by a condition, the treatment may help reduce symptoms. Examples include:

    CauseTreatment
    Orthostatic hypotensionMedication, lifestyle and dietary changes
    Motion sickness Medication, lifestyle and lifestyle changes
    Anxiety disorder or other mental health conditionTherapy and medication
    InfectionAntibiotic or antiviral medication
    Dizziness due to medication that you are takingChanges to your medication
    ImbalancePhysical therapy to build strength and balance

    Home Care and Lifestyle Changes

    To avoid injuries, make these lifestyle changes:

        
  • If you are feeling dizzy, sit down right away. Also, avoid activities that could cause harm, like driving, using machinery, or climbing a ladder.
  • Remove items in your home that could cause you to lose your balance such as throw rugs and loose electrical cords.
  • Place slip-resistant mats in your shower and on your bathroom floor.
  • Place night lights in hallways and in the bathroom.
  • Use a cane if you feel that you need extra support.

    • Prevention

    Try these tips to prevent dizziness:

        
  • Avoid sudden movements.
  • Avoid bending down or extending your neck.
  • Avoid smoking, drinking excess amounts of alcohol, and using illicit drugs.
  • Maintain proper treatment for long-term conditions.
  • Get treatment when you have an infection.
  • Talk to your doctor right away if you have side effects from your medications.