Headache and lightheadedness: what should you know?

Lightheadedness is a feeling that you may faint or lose steadiness; it differs from the room-spinning sensation of vertigo. It can appear when you stand quickly, have not eaten, lose fluid through sweating or vomiting, or are unwell with an infection. Anxiety and some medicines can also contribute. Headache may come from the same trigger, such as dehydration or heat, or may be a separate symptom. Note whether the feeling happens on standing, with movement, or at rest, and whether palpitations, fever, weakness, or vision changes accompany it.

Sit or lie down immediately to prevent a fall, then rise slowly once steady. Move away from heat, loosen tight clothing, and sip fluids. If you have missed food and can swallow safely, a light snack may help. Do not drive, climb, or operate machinery while lightheaded. Record recent medicines, fluid intake, meals, sleep, illness, and the circumstances of each episode. Do not change prescribed medicine without advice.

Call emergency services for fainting, a sudden severe headache, new weakness or numbness, facial drooping, difficulty speaking, chest pain, severe breathlessness, confusion, or a seizure. Seek prompt medical review if episodes recur, occur during exercise, follow a head injury, or come with persistent vomiting, fever, or a fast or irregular heartbeat. A clinician can check posture-related blood pressure and other causes.

Could a medicine, fluid loss, blood pressure change, anaemia, infection, or another cause explain this pattern? Should my blood pressure or balance be checked?