Dizziness when moving your eyes

Notice whether the room seems to spin, you feel faint, or your vision becomes unsettled. Eye movement can expose a problem with how the eyes, brain and inner ear combine information about position. A recent cold, migraine, medication change, poor fluid intake or missed meal may also contribute. Conditions such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo can cause brief spinning episodes, although eye movement alone does not establish that diagnosis.

Record the direction of gaze that triggers symptoms, how quickly they begin, how long they last, and whether there is nausea, hearing change, headache, weakness or a racing heartbeat. Anaemia and Iron Deficiency Anaemia can contribute to general lightheadedness, while Hypoglycaemia and Dehydration may cause faintness.

Stop and sit or lie down when the sensation starts. Move your eyes and head slowly, avoid driving or climbing until your balance is reliable, and drink fluids if you may have become dehydrated. Eat a regular meal if you have missed one, unless a clinician has given you different instructions. Reduce screen glare and rest your eyes if visual strain is present.

Arrange a medical assessment if episodes keep returning, interfere with walking or work, or began after a new medicine. A clinician may check your eyes, hearing, balance, blood pressure and blood tests based on your symptoms.

Seek emergency help for sudden severe dizziness with facial drooping, one-sided weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, fainting, a new severe headache, chest pain, severe breathlessness or inability to walk. Get prompt care for new double vision, persistent vomiting, a sudden hearing change or symptoms after a head injury.

Could this be vertigo, eye strain, a medicine effect or lightheadedness? Should my vision, hearing, balance, blood pressure or blood count be checked? What activities should I avoid while symptoms continue?