Dizziness, headache and fainting: what to know

Dizziness may mean spinning or feeling faint, while fainting is a brief loss of consciousness caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. A headache can occur with dehydration, heat, migraine, or a sudden change in blood pressure. Conditions such as Anaemia, Atrial Fibrillation, or low blood sugar can also present with dizziness or fainting. The symptom combination does not identify one diagnosis, and the order, duration, triggers, injuries, and recovery all matter.

If you feel faint, lie flat with your legs raised if comfortable, loosen tight clothing, and stay still until fully alert. Do not drive or work at heights after fainting. Once awake and able to swallow, take small sips of fluid and note what happened. Arrange prompt medical review, especially after a first episode, an unexplained episode, or an episode during exercise. A clinician may review medicines, blood pressure, heart rhythm, and blood tests.

Seek emergency help for a sudden or severe headache, weakness on one side, facial drooping, trouble speaking, new confusion, seizure, chest pain, breathlessness, a racing or irregular heartbeat, fainting during exercise, or a serious fall. Urgent assessment is also needed if you remain confused, cannot walk normally, or have repeated fainting or vomiting.

Ask what checks are appropriate for the fainting episode, including blood pressure lying and standing, an ECG, or blood tests. Tell the clinician about warning sensations, posture, exertion, food and fluid intake, headache features, injuries, family heart history, and every medicine or supplement you take.