What should you know about headache, dizziness and fatigue?

Dizziness can mean lightheadedness, a feeling of faintness or a spinning sensation, and those patterns point to different possibilities. Dehydration, Heat Exhaustion and Hypoglycaemia may develop around missed fluids, heat or meals. Anaemia and Iron Deficiency Anaemia can present with tiredness, headache and dizziness. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is more associated with brief spinning after head movement, while Atrial Fibrillation may cause an irregular heartbeat with lightheadedness.

Sit down when dizzy and stand slowly. Drink fluids, eat a balanced meal if you may have missed one, and rest in a cool, quiet place. Avoid driving until your balance and alertness are normal. Record when symptoms occur, your position, sleep, meals, fluids, heat exposure and any palpitations. Arrange a review if symptoms recur, last beyond a short illness or limit normal activities.

Call for urgent medical help for fainting, chest pain, severe breathlessness, a very fast or irregular heartbeat with weakness, new one-sided weakness, trouble speaking, severe confusion, seizure, or a sudden severe headache. Seek prompt advice for persistent vomiting, very little urine, worsening balance or symptoms after heat exposure. Do not assume fatigue explains new neurological or heart symptoms.

Is my dizziness spinning or lightheadedness, and does that change the likely cause? Should I be checked for anaemia, blood sugar, dehydration, thyroid problems or an irregular heartbeat? What warning signs require urgent review?