Dizziness when moving your head

Turning, looking up, bending or standing can briefly disturb the balance information sent from the inner ear, eyes and muscles. Spinning that starts with a particular head position may occur with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. A vague faint feeling, especially after standing, points toward a different pattern and can occur with Dehydration, Hypoglycaemia or Anaemia.

Write down the movement, the onset, the duration and whether you have nausea, ringing in the ear, hearing change, headache, palpitations or weakness. A new medicine, recent illness, heat exposure or reduced food and fluid intake can be relevant. The symptom pattern helps a clinician choose an examination and any needed tests.

Hold a stable surface and change position in stages: sit before standing, then pause before walking. Keep walkways clear, use good lighting and avoid ladders while episodes are active. Drink fluids if you have been sweating or unwell, and keep meals regular unless you have been told to restrict food or fluids. Do not perform a repositioning manoeuvre from an online guide unless a clinician has confirmed it is suitable.

Book an appointment when dizziness recurs, causes near-falls, affects daily tasks or follows a medication change. Bring a list of medicines and your symptom notes.

Call emergency services for dizziness with one-sided weakness, facial drooping, new speech difficulty, fainting, severe chest pain, severe breathlessness, a sudden severe headache or inability to walk. Seek prompt assessment for persistent vomiting, new hearing loss, double vision or symptoms after a head injury.

Does the timing suggest an inner-ear balance problem or lightheadedness? Could my medicines, blood pressure, blood count, glucose or hydration be contributing? Is a balance examination or specialist referral appropriate?