Headache with dizziness: what to know

Dehydration, heat exhaustion, missed meals, or low blood sugar can cause lightheadedness with head pain. Inner-ear conditions such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo cause brief spinning when the head moves, while migraine can cause dizziness with sensitivity to light or sound. Anaemia or Iron Deficiency Anaemia may be associated with tiredness, breathlessness, or a racing heartbeat. Anxiety can intensify the sensation. A fast or irregular heartbeat can also make you feel faint. Dizziness itself does not identify one condition; the accompanying features and examination are needed.

Sit or lie somewhere safe when dizzy, rise slowly, and avoid driving, heights, or machinery until steady. Sip fluids and eat a regular snack if you may have missed food and can safely do so. Record triggers, duration, movement effects, hearing symptoms, palpitations, recent illness, and medicines. A clinician may check blood pressure, balance, ears, heart rhythm, and blood tests depending on the pattern.

Seek emergency help for sudden severe headache with weakness, facial droop, trouble speaking, confusion, collapse, seizure, chest pain, severe breathlessness, or new loss of vision. Obtain prompt assessment for repeated faintness, a new irregular heartbeat, persistent vomiting, inability to walk safely, or dizziness after a head injury.

What type of dizziness does my description suggest? Should my blood pressure, heart rhythm, ears, or blood count be checked? Could food, fluids, or a medicine be contributing?