Overview
Dizziness is a term used to describe a range of sensations, such as feeling faint, woozy, weak or unsteady. Dizziness that creates the false sense that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving is called vertigo.
Dizziness is one of the more common reasons adults visit their doctors. Frequent dizzy spells or constant dizziness can significantly affect your life. But dizziness rarely signals a life-threatening condition.
Treatment of dizziness depends on the cause and your symptoms. It's usually effective, but the problem may recur.
Symptoms
People experiencing dizziness may describe it as any of a number of sensations, such as:
- A false sense of motion or spinning (vertigo)
- Lightheadedness or feeling faint
- Unsteadiness or a loss of balance
- A feeling of floating, wooziness or heavy-headedness
These feelings may be triggered or worsened by walking, standing up or moving your head. Your dizziness may be accompanied by nausea or be so sudden or severe that you need to sit or lie down. The episode may last seconds or days and may recur.
When to see a doctor
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
- Difficulty breathing
- Numbness or paralysis of arms or legs
- Fainting
- Double vision
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Confusion or slurred speech
- Stumbling or difficulty walking
- Ongoing vomiting
- Seizures
- A sudden change in hearing
- Facial numbness or weakness
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Causes
Inner ear and balance
Inner ear and balance
Loop-shaped canals in your inner ear contain fluid and fine, hairlike sensors that help you keep your balance. At the base of the canals are the utricle and saccule, each containing a patch of sensory hair cells. Within these cells are tiny particles (otoconia) that help monitor the position of your head in relation to gravity and linear motion, such as going up and down in an elevator or moving forward and backward in a car.
Dizziness has many possible causes, including inner ear disturbance, motion sickness and medication effects. Sometimes it's caused by an underlying health condition, such as poor circulation, infection or injury.
The way dizziness makes you feel and your triggers provide clues for possible causes. How long the dizziness lasts and any other symptoms you have also help pinpoint the cause.
Inner ear problems that cause dizziness (vertigo)
Your sense of balance depends on the combined input from the various parts of your sensory system. These include your:
- Eyes, which help you determine where your body is in space and how it's moving
- Sensory nerves, which send messages to your brain about body movements and positions
- Inner ear, which houses sensors that help detect gravity and back-and-forth motion
Vertigo is the false sense that your surroundings are spinning or moving. With inner ear disorders, your brain receives signals from the inner ear that aren't consistent with what your eyes and sensory nerves are receiving. Vertigo is what results as your brain works to sort out the confusion.
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). This condition causes an intense and brief but false sense that you're spinning or moving. These episodes are triggered by a rapid change in head movement, such as when you turn over in bed, sit up or experience a blow to the head. BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo.
- Infection. A viral infection of the vestibular nerve, called vestibular neuritis, can cause intense, constant vertigo. If you also have sudden hearing loss, you may have labyrinthitis.
- Meniere's disease. This disease involves the excessive buildup of fluid in your inner ear. It's characterized by sudden episodes of vertigo lasting as long as several hours. You may also experience fluctuating hearing loss, ringing in the ear and the feeling of a plugged ear.
- Migraine. People who experience migraines may have episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even when they're not having a severe headache. Such vertigo episodes can last minutes to hours and may be associated with headache as well as light and noise sensitivity.
Circulation problems that cause dizziness
You may feel dizzy, faint or off balance if your heart isn't pumping enough blood to your brain. Causes include:
- Drop in blood pressure. A dramatic drop in your systolic blood pressure — the higher number in your blood pressure reading — may result in brief lightheadedness or a feeling of faintness. It can occur after sitting up or standing too quickly. This condition is also called orthostatic hypotension.
- Poor blood circulation. Conditions such as cardiomyopathy, heart attack, heart arrhythmia and transient ischemic attack could cause dizziness. And a decrease in blood volume may cause inadequate blood flow to your brain or inner ear.
Other causes of dizziness
- Neurological conditions. Some neurological disorders — such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis — can lead to progressive loss of balance.
- Medications. Dizziness can be a side effect of certain medications — such as anti-seizure drugs, antidepressants, sedatives and tranquilizers. In particular, blood pressure lowering medications may cause faintness if they lower your blood pressure too much.
- Anxiety disorders. Certain anxiety disorders may cause lightheadedness or a woozy feeling often referred to as dizziness. These include panic attacks and a fear of leaving home or being in large, open spaces (agoraphobia).
- Low iron levels (anemia). Other signs and symptoms that may occur along with dizziness if you have anemia include fatigue, weakness and pale skin.
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This condition generally occurs in people with diabetes who use insulin. Dizziness (lightheadedness) may be accompanied by sweating and anxiety.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often described as "flu-like" and include headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain and confusion.
- Overheating and dehydration. If you're active in hot weather or if you don't drink enough fluids, you may feel dizzy from overheating (hyperthermia) or from dehydration. This is especially true if you take certain heart medications.
Risk factors
Factors that may increase your risk of getting dizzy include:
- Age. Older adults are more likely to have medical conditions that cause dizziness, especially a sense of imbalance. They're also more likely to take medications that can cause dizziness.
- A past episode of dizziness. If you've experienced dizziness before, you're more likely to get dizzy in the future.
Complications
Dizziness can increase your risk of falling and injuring yourself. Experiencing dizziness while driving a car or operating heavy machinery can increase the likelihood of an accident. You may also experience long-term consequences if an existing health condition that may be causing your dizziness goes untreated.
By Mayo Clinic Staff
Dec. 03, 2022
FAQs
What is the most common cause of dizziness? ›
Dizziness has many possible causes, including inner ear disturbance, motion sickness and medication effects. Sometimes it's caused by an underlying health condition, such as poor circulation, infection or injury. The way dizziness makes you feel and your triggers provide clues for possible causes.
How do you know if dizziness is serious? ›- Sudden, severe headache.
- Chest pain.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Numbness or paralysis of arms or legs.
- Fainting.
- Double vision.
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
- Confusion or slurred speech.
Common causes of dizziness
labyrinthitis – an inner ear infection that affects your hearing and balance, and can lead to a severe form of dizziness called vertigo. migraine – dizziness may come on before or after the headache, or even without the headache.
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.
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.
Can a blocked artery cause dizziness? ›Additional symptoms of a clogged artery may include: Dizziness or weakness. Heart palpitations, or sensations of your heart racing or fluttering. Nausea or sweating.
What are the red flags for dizziness? ›“Red flag” symptoms should alert you to a non-vestibular cause: persistent, worsening vertigo or dysequilibrium; atypical “non-peripheral” vertigo, such as vertical movement; severe headache, especially early in the morning; diplopia; cranial nerve palsies; dysarthria, ataxia, or other cerebellar signs; and ...
How long is too long for dizziness? ›In general, if dizziness lasts longer than a few days, or is severe enough to keep you from normal activities, you should talk with your doctor. Depending on the cause, there are medications and physical therapy options that may give you some relief.
Why am I having dizzy spells all of a sudden? ›Sudden dizziness can stem from many issues, including problems with the inner ear, low blood pressure, and mental health conditions. The dizziness may resolve on its own, but it is a good idea to seek medical advice. People who feel dizzy may describe it as feeling lightheaded, off-balance, giddy, or faint.
Why do I feel so dizzy but not sick? ›Causes of lightheadedness may be dehydration, medication side effects, sudden blood pressure drops, low blood sugar, and heart disease or stroke. Feeling woozy, lightheaded, or a little faint is a common complaint among older adults.
What are the 2 types of dizziness? ›
There are two types of vertigo, peripheral and central vertigo. Peripheral vertigo is due to a problem in the part of the inner ear that controls balance. These areas are called the vestibular labyrinth, or semicircular canals.
What kind of infection causes dizziness? ›About labyrinthitis
It causes a delicate structure deep inside your ear called the labyrinth to become inflamed, affecting your hearing and balance. The most common symptoms are dizziness, hearing loss (from mild to total loss of hearing) and vertigo – the sensation that you, or the environment around you, is moving.
Dizziness by itself is not a common symptom of a brain tumor. Most cases of dizziness are related to an inner ear problem, anemia, dehydration or taking certain medications. Sometimes, being anxious or depressed can cause dizziness as well.
How do you know if dizziness is vertigo or something else? ›Many people will describe the sensations of vertigo as dizziness because it does fall under that umbrella of sensations. However, it is the only type of dizziness that causes the spinning or whirling sensation. Vertigo is often accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, loss of balance, or trouble walking.
What blood tests are done for dizziness? ›Blood Work A blood test can reveal problems that could be to blame for your dizziness complaints. Your doctor might check your blood cell count, thyroid function, blood sugar levels, electrolytes, and more. Allergy Tests Sometimes allergies are the culprit for vertigo symptoms.
Is dizziness a symptom of stroke? ›Overall, dizziness and vertigo are the symptoms most tightly linked to missed stroke.
What is cardiac vertigo? ›Vascular Vertigo: When blood supply throughout the body is reduced, it can cause vertigo and dizziness. This is usually experienced by people who have a history of high blood pressure, heart attack or stroke. Arteriosclerosis: Narrowing of the arteries can result in a diminished circulation of blood.
Is dizziness a symptom of congestive heart failure? ›If you have congestive heart failure (CHF), you may have experienced the dizziness that often accompanies this condition. In addition, many CHF patients report experiencing a feeling of lightheadedness when they stand up too quickly, whether from a seated, bent-over, or lying-down position.
What are the early warning signs of clogged arteries? ›- Chest pain (angina). You may feel pressure or tightness in your chest. ...
- Shortness of breath. You may feel like you can't catch your breath.
- Fatigue. If the heart can't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs, you may feel unusually tired.
- Heart attack.
- Antidepressants.
- Anti-seizure drugs.
- Drugs to control high blood pressure.
- Sedatives.
- Tranquilizers.
What is vascular dizziness? ›
Diagnosis of vascular vertigo/dizziness. Patients with vascular vertigo/dizziness typically present with acute vestibular syndrome (AVS), which refers to the acute onset of vertigo or dizziness with nausea or vomiting, head-motion intolerance, and unsteadiness [11, 154].
When should you see a neurologist for dizziness? ›If you have been experiencing vertigo for more than a day or two, it's so severe that you can't stand or walk, or you are vomiting frequently and can't keep food down, you should make an appointment with a neurologist.
How do I stop feeling dizzy? ›- lie down until the dizziness passes, then get up slowly.
- move slowly and carefully.
- get plenty of rest.
- drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
- avoid coffee, cigarettes, alcohol and drugs.
Your fight or flight instinct kicks in – your fight or flight instinct is often triggered when you feel anxious, as your body prepares for the dangers that you believe are ahead of you. This can lead to a rush of adrenaline, leaving you feeling dizzy and/or lightheaded.
Should I go to urgent care for dizziness? ›If the dizziness is not fleeting, eased by lying down or your balance is compromised, you should immediately visit the closest emergency department. If dizziness is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, you should also seek emergency care: Other neurological symptoms, including double vision and loss of vision.
Can you get dizzy with high blood pressure? ›Dizziness : While dizziness can be a side effect of some blood pressure medications, it is not caused by high blood pressure.
What is the most common cause of dizziness in the elderly? ›Although the causes of dizziness in older people are multifactorial, peripheral vestibular dysfunction is one of the most frequent causes. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most frequent form of vestibular dysfunction in the elderly, followed by Meniere's disease.
Is dizziness a symptom of Covid? ›COVID can worsen underlying medical conditions, like low blood pressure and anemia. Dizzy spells are common symptoms of these medical conditions and can become more frequent or severe when someone has COVID illness. The COVID virus can invade the nervous system and the inner ear, which causes dizzy spells and vertigo.
What does dizziness from dehydration feel like? ›If you're dehydrated, you may start to feel dizzy. This feeling can cause you to also experience lightheadedness, wooziness, fairness and unsteadiness. You may also experience a very specific form of dizziness called vertigo. If you're dealing with vertigo, you may feel like everything around you is spinning.
What cancers cause dizziness? ›- Astrocytomas. Astrocytoma (of the cerebellum) Astrocytoma of the pons (pontine glioma)
- Ependymoma of the fourth ventricle.
- Metastatic tumors. Melanoma of cerebellar pontine angle. ...
- Medulloblastoma (of the cerebellum)
- Meningioma of the cerebello-pontine angle.
- Neuromas (schwannomas) Of the Vth nerve (case) ...
- Subarachnoid Cyst.
What are the first warning signs of a brain tumor? ›
- New onset or change in pattern of headaches.
- Headaches that gradually become more frequent and more severe.
- Unexplained nausea or vomiting.
- Vision problems, such as blurred vision, double vision or loss of peripheral vision.
- Gradual loss of sensation or movement in an arm or a leg.
- Difficulty with balance.
In general, the most common symptoms of a brain tumor may include: Headaches. Seizures or convulsions. Difficulty thinking, speaking or finding words.
What are three symptoms of vertigo? ›...
Other symptoms associated with vertigo may include:
- loss of balance – which can make it difficult to stand or walk.
- feeling sick or being sick.
- dizziness.
Symptoms of loose ear crystals
When you have loose crystals, any movement causes dizziness. The dizziness will subside within 30 seconds of initially having it, but it may come back with movement, even if it is as simple of bending to tie your shoe.
MRI Scans. In some people with vertigo—in particular those who also have hearing loss—doctors may recommend an MRI scan to obtain a closer look at the inner ear and surrounding structures.
Why do I need a brain scan for dizziness? ›When patients present to the ED with dizziness, oftentimes the provider will order a computed tomography (CT) scan to rule out serious medical problems, such as intracranial bleeding or stroke.
Can a brain scan detect dizziness? ›Imaging studies of the brain, and sometimes the cervical spine, are common in patients with Dizziness and Vertigo. The purpose of these studies is to identify a structural cause of dizziness such as a stroke, MS, tumor, or any number of a myriad of other disorders of the ear or central nervous system.
What can you do to stop feeling dizzy? ›- lie down until the dizziness passes, then get up slowly.
- move slowly and carefully.
- get plenty of rest.
- drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
- avoid coffee, cigarettes, alcohol and drugs.
Vitamin D deficiencies can also result in bone diseases such as rickets in children and osteomalacia and osteoporosis in adults. But you may not be aware that if you're not getting enough vitamin D, you may also suffer from dizziness, headaches, and yes, low energy and fatigue.
Can high sugar level cause dizziness? ›Can hyperglycemia cause dizziness? High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, can lead to a number of symptoms, including dizziness, according to the American Diabetes Association.
Can heart problems cause dizziness? ›
Often, your body sends signs that your heart needs care—symptoms you should not ignore. These include chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, loss of consciousness, and dizziness. If you have experienced any of these symptoms, make an appointment to see your doctor.
Does drinking water help with dizziness? ›If you believe that you're feeling dizzy as a result of dehydration, there are several steps you should take to help relieve your symptoms. Rehydrate: First and foremost, you need to replace the fluids you've lost as quickly as possible. The best way to do this is to drink plenty of water.
What is difference between vertigo and dizziness? ›While these words are often used interchangeably, they describe different sensations. Dizziness is the feeling of being lightheaded, foggy or unsteady. Vertigo, which is less common than dizziness, is an overall spinning sensation.
Can high blood pressure cause dizziness? ›Most people who have high blood pressure do not have symptoms. In some cases, people with high blood pressure may have a pounding feeling in their head or chest, a feeling of lightheadedness or dizziness, or other signs.
What deficiency causes dizziness? ›Low Vitamin B12 Levels Can Cause Dizziness
Ask your doctor about having a simple blood test to check your B12 levels if you're having dizzy spells. Good sources of vitamin B12 include meat, dairy products, and fortified breakfast cereals.
“Our study suggests that for people with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, taking a supplement of vitamin D and calcium is a simple, low-risk way to prevent vertigo from recurring,” said Ji-Soo Kim, M.D., Ph.
Is dizziness a normal part of aging? ›The prevalence of dizziness has a tendency to increase with age [1,11]. A cross-sectional study in Sweden reported that the number of adults with dizziness increased up to approximately 50% in people older than 85 [13]. The underlying causes of dizziness in the elderly vary widely [1,8,14–17].
Is dizziness a symptom of prediabetes? ›Signs that prediabetes has progressed to type 2 diabetes include: increased or unrelenting thirst. fatigue or feeling weak. feeling faint or dizzy.
Is dizziness a symptom of type 2 diabetes? ›Dizziness is one symptom that diabetics may experience. This can be due to low blood sugar, high blood sugar, low blood pressure, retinopathy, vestibular disorder, medication side effects, or dehydration.
What is dizziness a symptom of in diabetes? ›Hypoglycemia happens when a person's blood sugar level is extremely low which may cause diabetes dizziness. Blood sugar is required for the brain to operate correctly and as a source of energy. Norepinephrine and epinephrine are the hormones that the brain uses to elevate blood sugar levels.
Can stress cause dizziness? ›
Stress, worry, or anxiety may cause other kinds of dizziness. It might feel more like lightheadedness than spinning. One form of this is chronic subjective dizziness — a vague feeling of imbalance. It happens more often in people with anxiety and in places where your senses have to take in a lot of information.