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Dizziness
Dizziness, or lightheadedness, is a feeling of unsteadiness. Dizziness can lead to feeling faint or to fainting (brief loss of consciousness).
Dizziness can be caused by many things, including stress and/or certain medicines.
Dizziness often goes away or improves after lying down. If it does not, it may be linked with conditions related to the inner ear or brain function.
How can you care for dizziness?
- If your doctor recommends or prescribes medicine, take it exactly as directed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
- Do not drive while you feel dizzy.
- Try to prevent falls. Steps you can take include:
- Using nonskid mats, adding grab bars near the tub, and using night-lights.
- Clearing your home so that walkways are free of anything you might trip on.
- Letting family and friends know that you have been feeling dizzy. This will help them know how to help you.
Dizziness: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You have sudden dizziness that doesn't get better.
- You have dizziness along with symptoms of a heart attack. These may include:
- Chest pain or pressure, or a strange feeling in the chest.
- Sweating.
- Shortness of breath.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Pain, pressure, or a strange feeling in the back, neck, jaw, or upper belly or in one or both shoulders or arms.
- Lightheadedness or sudden weakness.
- A fast or irregular heartbeat.
- You have symptoms of a stroke. These may include:
- Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of movement in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body.
- Sudden vision changes.
- Sudden trouble speaking.
- Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements.
- Sudden problems with walking or balance.
- A sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You feel dizzy and have a fever, headache, or ringing in your ears.
- You have new or increased nausea and vomiting.
- Your dizziness does not go away or comes back.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better as expected.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.