Headache causing dizziness

Dizziness may mean lightheadedness, feeling faint, or a spinning sensation. Spinning triggered by turning in bed can fit Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, while thirst, dark urine, heat exposure or standing quickly can point towards dehydration or heat exhaustion. Anaemia, Iron Deficiency Anaemia, Hypoglycaemia, anxiety and heart-rhythm problems such as Atrial Fibrillation may also need consideration. Describe whether the room spins, when the headache started, and what movement or meals do.

Sit or lie down when dizzy and rise slowly. Avoid driving, heights and machinery until your balance is reliable. Sip fluids and eat a small snack if you may have missed food, unless a clinician has restricted your intake. Keep a note of triggers, medicines, palpitations, bleeding, recent illness and episodes of faintness. Arrange assessment before repeatedly treating the symptom yourself.

Call emergency services for a sudden severe headache, one-sided weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, new severe loss of balance, fainting, chest pain, severe breathlessness, confusion or persistent vomiting. Seek prompt care for new recurrent dizziness, palpitations, black stools, heavy bleeding, or symptoms after heat exposure that do not settle with cooling and fluids.

Ask whether your description sounds like lightheadedness or vertigo, whether blood pressure or blood tests are needed, and which medicines or conditions could contribute. Ask what to do if an episode returns and when it becomes urgent.