What should you know about common causes of dizziness?

A spinning sensation that starts when you turn your head can occur with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, an inner-ear problem. Lightheadedness after standing may reflect dehydration, heat exhaustion or a blood-pressure change. Missing meals can contribute to hypoglycaemia, while iron deficiency anaemia or anaemia can reduce oxygen delivery and cause fatigue with lightheadedness. Anxiety can alter breathing and intensify an unsteady feeling. Less commonly, an irregular rhythm such as atrial fibrillation may cause dizziness with palpitations.

The timing, trigger, duration and associated symptoms help a clinician distinguish these patterns. Dizziness is a symptom, not a diagnosis.

Sit or lie down when dizzy and rise slowly once the feeling settles. Drink fluids if you may be dehydrated, eat a regular snack if you have missed food, and avoid driving or climbing until your balance is normal. Record what you were doing, how long it lasted and whether head movement, heat, meals or stress played a part. Recurrent episodes deserve a medical assessment.

Call emergency services for dizziness with facial drooping, one-sided weakness, trouble speaking, severe headache, chest pain, fainting, severe breathlessness or a new inability to walk. Seek prompt care for repeated fainting, a sustained racing or irregular heartbeat, persistent vomiting or dizziness after a head injury.

Ask whether your description sounds like spinning or lightheadedness, whether blood pressure, glucose or blood tests are needed, and whether medicines, balance testing or heart monitoring should be reviewed.