Key takeaways
Dizziness is a common symptom with a wide range of potential causes. These include inner ear problems, dehydration, low blood pressure, certain medications, and underlying health conditions like heart disease or anxiety.
The sensation of dizziness can vary. You may feel lightheadedness, vertigo (a spinning sensation), unsteadiness, or loss of balance. It may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or fainting.
Treatment for dizziness depends on the underlying cause and may involve lifestyle changes, home remedies like the Epley maneuver for vertigo, and medications. In severe cases, you may need medical procedures or surgery.
Dizziness is the feeling of being lightheaded, woozy, or off-balance. It’s linked to the sensory organs, specifically the eyes and ears, so it can sometimes cause fainting. Dizziness isn’t a disease itself but rather a symptom of various disorders.
Dizziness is common. Occasional dizziness isn’t something to worry about. However, it’s important to call a doctor immediately if you’re experiencing repeated episodes of dizziness for no apparent reason or for a prolonged period.
Dizziness has a variety of possible causes.
Vertigo and disequilibrium
and disequilibrium may both cause a feeling of dizziness, but these two terms describe distinct sensations.
Vertigo is characterized by a spinning sensation, like the room is moving. It may also feel like
or as if you’re leaning to one side.
Disequilibrium is a loss of
or equilibrium.
A common cause of vertigo and vertigo-related dizziness is
benign positional vertigo (BPV)
. BPV leads to short-term dizziness when someone changes positions quickly, such as sitting up in bed after lying down.
Another possible cause of dizziness and vertigo is an
. This noncancerous tumor forms on the vestibulocochlear nerve (auditory nerve), which connects the inner ear to the brain.
Common causes
Losing too much fluid can result in
, one of the most common causes of dizziness. Symptoms of dehydration include thirst and dry skin.
Dizziness can also result from a problem in the
, which is the area that senses movement and regulates balance. These problems include hearing loss.
Dizziness may be linked to certain medications, too, including:
Other possible causes
Some other potential causes of dizziness include:
Sudden drop in blood pressure: Sudden
may be caused by various medical conditions or even from standing up (
). It can lead to dizziness and falling, especially in older adults.
Cardiomyopathy: In
, the heart muscles become rigid and weak and pump less blood. Symptoms can include dizziness, fainting, and
.
Heart attack: While chest pain is the most common indicator of a
, dizziness or lightheadedness can also be
. They occur if there’s not enough blood reaching your brain.
Arrhythmia:
occurs when the heart beats at an atypical pace. It can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or shortness of breath.
Circulation problems: Cardiomyopathy, heart attack, and other heart conditions can result in
, where your heart is unable to pump enough blood. This can cause you to feel dizzy.
Excessive exercise:
may make you feel dizzy or lightheaded. It can also lead to dehydration and heat exhaustion, which can both cause dizziness.
Heat exhaustion: If you’re in a hot environment and sweating excessively, you’re likely experiencing
. The condition may make you feel dizzy, thirsty, and weak.
Decrease in blood volume: Low blood volume can result from bleeding or dehydration. It can cause dizziness,
, and low blood pressure. Learn more about the relationship between
dehydration and blood pressure
.
Anxiety disorders: Dizziness may be
with no other physical causes. You may have repeated episodes of dizziness.
Anemia:
is a low red blood cell count. Low levels of iron-rich hemoglobin in your red blood cells mean the cells can’t transport enough oxygen throughout the body. The lack of oxygen caused by anemia may make you feel dizzy, tired, or short of breath.
Hypoglycemia:
, or low blood sugar, can make you feel shaky, lightheaded, or hungry. Severe hypoglycemia is a serious condition that can cause a seizure. Discover other
symptoms associated with hypoglycemia
.
Carbon monoxide poisoning: If
from cars, grills, or furnaces build up indoors, breathing them in can be fatal. Dizziness,
, and
are all symptoms.
Motion sickness: Traveling by car or boat or experiencing other types of motion can give you motion sickness. You may feel dizzy and
.
Multiple sclerosis (MS):
damages the brain and spinal cord. It causes a range of
that can include dizziness.
Parkinson’s disease: Dizziness is a common symptom of
, a neurological condition that causes shaking and balance issues. Dizziness may become more noticeable in later
.
Infections: A variety of infections are associated with dizziness. Examples include: COVID-19: You may feel dizziness and vertigo while you
. The dizziness and vertigo may be associated with
and a loss of balance.
Other viral infections: Other viral infections, such as the
or a
, may also cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded. These infections may be associated with dehydration as well.
Ear infection: An
may lead to inflammation in your inner ear, causing dizziness and balance troubles. Ear infections are associated with both bacterial and viral causes.
Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis:
and
occur when specific nerves in your inner ear become inflamed. Triggers often include viral infections, but they can vary. Bacterial infections are more common in people with labyrinthitis than in people with vestibular neuritis.
People who are dizzy may experience various sensations, including:
lightheadedness or faintness
a false sense of spinning
unsteadiness
a loss of balance
a feeling of floating
Sometimes, dizziness is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or fainting. Seek emergency medical help if you have these symptoms for extended periods.
When to call a doctor about dizziness
It’s important to call a doctor if you have repeated bouts of dizziness. Also, notify a doctor immediately if you experience sudden dizziness along with:
a headache
ongoing vomiting
hearing loss
tinnitus
difficulty speaking
droopiness of the
or mouth
or a
These symptoms could indicate a serious health problem, so it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. According to a 2021 Swedish study,
of people who used emergency services for dizziness had a time-critical medical issue.
If you don’t already have a primary care doctor, the
can help you find a physician in your area.
Treatment for dizziness focuses on the underlying cause. In most cases, home remedies and medical treatments can help you manage the underlying cause.
The following are potential treatments for the causes of dizziness:
Vertigo and benign positional vertigo (BPV): BPV, a common cause of vertigo, can often be resolved with the
. This exercise involves turning your head in specific ways to help alleviate symptoms. Surgery is typically not needed, but it’s an option for people who can’t manage their BPV otherwise.
Meniere’s disease: This condition has no cure, but it may improve with medications, a
, antibiotic or
injections, or ear surgery.
Acoustic neuroma: If the tumor grows, you may need
or surgery.
Dehydration: To help treat dehydration, drink plenty of fluids.
Migraine: Treatment for migraine attacks includes
and
, such as learning to identify and avoid
.
Alcohol: Drinking less alcohol may help you avoid dizziness from
.
Inner ear issues: You may be able to manage inner ear issues with medications or at-home exercises that help you maintain your balance.
Medications: If medications seem to be causing your dizziness, speak with a doctor about changing your medication or dose.
Sudden drop in blood pressure:
Treatment for sudden low blood pressure
depends on the cause or underlying condition, but it may involve adjusting your medications, exercising, or changing positions slowly when standing up.
Cardiomyopathy: This condition may be improved with medications or lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and
.
Heart attack: A heart attack requires emergency treatment, which may include
,
, or surgery.
Arrhythmia: Arrhythmia doesn’t always require treatment. Healthy lifestyle choices, such as exercising and eating a balanced diet, can help you manage your symptoms. Heart medications are also available. Surgery is reserved for more serious cases.
Circulation problems: Circulation problems may improve with
, a heart-healthy diet, medications, or surgery.
Excessive exercise or heat exhaustion: Drinking plenty of fluids can help when dizziness is caused by excessive exercise or heat exhaustion.
Decrease in blood volume: Treatment for low blood volume focuses on restoring fluids through an intravenous (IV) line and treating underlying causes such as bleeding.
Anxiety disorders:
and anxiety-reducing techniques, such as
, can help with anxiety disorders.
Anemia:
, medications, and
can help treat anemia.
Hypoglycemia: If you have symptoms of hypoglycemia, try drinking fruit juice or soda or taking
. For severely low blood glucose levels, you may need an injection of the hormone
. Discover other
emergency treatments for hypoglycemia
.
Carbon monoxide poisoning: This condition requires immediate medical care. It may be treated with oxygen, a
, and IV fluids.
Motion sickness: You can try
, aromatherapy, and over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as diphenhydramine (
) for motion sickness. Learn more about
.
Multiple sclerosis (MS): This condition currently has no cure, but
and
may help with symptoms.
Parkinson’s disease:
, surgery, and
may improve Parkinson’s disease symptoms, though there is
at the moment.
Infections: Treatment will depend on the cause of the infection but will likely include hydration and rest. COVID-19: Staying hydrated, resting, and doing balance exercises may help with dizziness that persists after a
. If your symptoms get worse, it’s important to have a doctor check for other underlying conditions.
Other viral infections: Hydration and rest are key to recovery. Antiviral medications are also available to help you manage conditions such as
. OTC medications such as decongestants and pain relievers can help
.
Ear infection: An ear infection may get better with rest and drinking fluids, or it may be treated with
.
Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis: Treatment often includes medications such as antidizziness medications, antihistamines, and antibiotics.
Stroke: You need
for a stroke, which may include medications as well as surgery to repair and prevent
.
Malignant tumor: Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy,
, or other medications.
Brain disorders: Treatments will vary depending on the disorder. Possible treatments include pain relievers, physical therapy,
, and surgery.
A doctor can narrow down the cause of your dizziness by performing a
. They’ll ask you questions about your dizziness, including:
when it occurs
the situations where it occurs
how severe your symptoms are
which other symptoms occur with the dizziness
A doctor may also:
check your
and
perform a neurological exam
observe your
If the doctor suspects certain causes, including carbon monoxide poisoning, heart conditions, or a stroke, they may recommend a
, an
, or another imaging test. You may also need additional tests.
In some cases, a doctor can’t determine the cause of dizziness.
Balance tests
A doctor or specialist may perform tests to check your balance. These tests look for problems with your inner ear that may affect your balance or cause dizziness.
They include:
computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) test, where you try to maintain your balance while standing on a moving platform
, which measures how well you keep your balance when standing with your eyes closed for 1 minute
electronystagmography (ENG) test
, which involves a doctor placing sensors around your eyes and measuring your eye movements
videonystagmography (VNG) test, in which you’ll wear goggles and view light patterns so a doctor can measure your eye movements
rotary test, where goggles record your eye movements while you sit in a rotating, motorized chair
Tests for vertigo
If you have vertigo, the doctor may perform the following tests:
, which involves turning your head and then switching quickly between lying down and sitting up so a doctor can check if you experience vertigo
vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) test, in which a doctor looks for problems in your inner ear by playing sounds into earphones while you move your head and eyes
video head impulse test, which records your eye movements as you try to keep your eyes on a target while moving your head
Hearing tests
Hearing tests may also be performed for dizziness and balance issues. These tests may include:
otoacoustic emissions test, in which a small earphone plays sounds in your ear and a doctor measures the echoes that come back from your inner ear
, in which a doctor blows air into your ear to evaluate the movement of your eardrum
electrocochleography, which tests the electrical activity of the cochlea (a hollow bone in the
) using an electrode placed in the ear
Electrocochleography can help diagnose Meniere’s disease.
Cardiac tests
Tests that can help a doctor diagnose cardiac causes of dizziness include the:
, which they use to measure your heart’s electrical activity
, which is a type of ultrasound that reveals how well your heart works
, where a doctor monitors your heart as you use a treadmill or perform another type of exercise
Follow these tips if you have recurrent bouts of dizziness:
Sit or lie down immediately when you feel dizzy and rest until the dizziness goes away. This can prevent you from possibly losing your balance, which may lead to falling and serious injury.
Use a cane or walker for stability, if necessary.
Always use handrails when walking up or down stairs.
Try activities that can help improve your balance, such as
and
.
Avoid moving or switching positions suddenly.
Avoid driving a car or operating heavy machinery if you frequently experience dizziness without warning.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. Using these substances may trigger dizziness or make it worse.
and
. Avoiding stressful situations may also be helpful.
If you suspect a medication is causing your dizziness, talk with your doctor about lowering the dose or switching to another medication.
Take an OTC medication such as
(Antivert, Bonine) if you experience nausea along with dizziness. These medications may cause drowsiness, so do not use them when you need to be active or productive.
Rest in a cool place and drink water if your dizziness is caused by overheating or dehydration.
Always speak with a doctor if you’re concerned about the frequency or severity of your dizziness.
Most cases of dizziness clear up on their own once you treat the underlying cause. In rare cases, dizziness can be a symptom of a more serious health problem.
Dizziness may result in complications related to fainting or a loss of balance. This can be especially dangerous when you’re driving, operating heavy machinery, or climbing a ladder.
Use caution if you feel an episode of dizziness coming on. If you become dizzy, stop driving immediately or find a safe place to steady yourself until the feeling passes.
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