It's common to sometimes feel dizzy, lightheaded or off-balance, and it's not usually serious. See a GP if you're worried. Show
Check if you have dizzinessDizziness includes feeling:
How you can treat dizziness yourselfDizziness usually goes away on its own. But there are things you can do to take care of yourself while you're feeling dizzy. Do
Don’t
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
Causes of dizzinessIf you have other symptoms, this might give you an idea of the cause. Do not self-diagnose. See a GP if you're worried. Dizziness while you're ill with something elseDizziness often goes away after you're treated for something else. For example:
Possible causes of dizziness when you're not ill.Dizziness symptomsPossible causesWhen standing or sitting up suddenlySudden drop in blood pressure (postural hypotension)Feeling off-balance, losing some hearing, ringing or other sounds in your ears (tinnitus)Inner-ear problemsFeeling off-balance or like things are spinning, feeling or being sick, sometimes after a cold or fluLabyrinthitisAfter starting new prescription medicineSide effect of medicineWith symptoms like hearing loss, double vision, blurred vision, numb face, arms or legsDecreased blood flow to the brain, possibly from clogged arteries (atherosclerosis) 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. Products & Services
SymptomsPeople experiencing dizziness may describe it as any of a number of sensations, such as:
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 doctorGenerally, 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:
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