Dizziness in Spanish: meaning, causes and care

When speaking with a clinician, explain whether you feel you might faint, cannot keep your balance, or feel the room moving. In Spanish, lightheadedness may be described as “mareo” or “sensación de desmayo”; spinning can be described as “vértigo”. Mention whether it follows standing, turning your head, heat, missed meals or not drinking enough. Dehydration, hypoglycaemia, anaemia and iron deficiency anaemia can each cause dizziness, while inner-ear problems may create spinning.

Also report pregnancy, medicines, bleeding, fever, vomiting, chest symptoms or a history of heart rhythm problems. A translator or bilingual clinician can help you communicate accurately; do not rely on a single word to describe a complex symptom.

Sit or lie somewhere safe, avoid driving, and ask for help if walking is difficult. Sip fluids, eat if you have missed a meal, and stand slowly after symptoms settle. Keep a short symptom diary in the language most comfortable for you, including the time, trigger, sensation and duration. Arrange a medical appointment if episodes recur, affect daily tasks or occur after starting a medicine.

Seek emergency help for fainting, chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden weakness or numbness, confusion, trouble speaking, a severe headache, new vision loss or inability to walk. Urgent assessment is also needed for heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting or signs of heat exhaustion such as confusion and marked weakness. If language is a barrier, tell emergency services that you need an interpreter.

Ask: “¿Es mareo, vértigo o sensación de desmayo?”; “¿Necesito análisis de sangre?”; and “¿Qué señales significan que debo buscar ayuda urgente?” Bring a list of medicines and describe any trigger in your own words.