First aid for dizziness

Dizziness can mean lightheadedness, a spinning sensation, unsteadiness or feeling close to fainting. It may follow standing quickly, heat, fluid loss, low blood sugar, anxiety or an inner-ear problem. Anaemia and Iron Deficiency Anaemia can also present with lightheadedness, while Atrial Fibrillation may be associated with dizziness and an irregular heartbeat.

Stop walking and sit or lie down away from stairs. Keep your head still, focus on a fixed point and rise slowly only after the sensation settles. Drink water in small sips if you are awake and not vomiting. If you have diabetes, check your glucose and follow your personal low-glucose plan. Avoid alcohol, climbing and operating machinery. Arrange medical advice if episodes recur, follow head movement, or come with hearing changes; Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is one possible cause.

Call emergency services for sudden weakness or numbness on one side, trouble speaking, new severe headache, chest pain, fainting, severe breathlessness, a new irregular heartbeat or inability to walk. Get prompt assessment after a head injury, with persistent vomiting, confusion, high fever or signs of Heat Exhaustion. Dehydration and Hypoglycaemia can worsen quickly and need treatment when symptoms do not improve with your usual plan.

Tell your doctor whether the room spins or you feel faint, what you were doing, how long it lasted, and whether you had palpitations, headache, vision changes or hearing symptoms. Ask whether medicines, blood tests, heart checks or balance assessment are appropriate.