Mild headache and dizziness: what to know

Dizziness may feel like lightheadedness, unsteadiness or the room moving. A headache can occur alongside dehydration, heat exposure, low blood sugar after missed food, anxiety, anaemia or a middle-ear balance problem. Atrial fibrillation can also cause lightheadedness when the heartbeat is irregular. These conditions are different, so the combination does not identify one cause by itself.

Notice whether symptoms start when standing, turning your head, exercising or skipping a meal. Record any nausea, fever, hearing change, racing heartbeat, heavy bleeding or recent illness.

Sit or lie down if you feel faint, rise slowly, and avoid driving, heights or machinery until steady. Sip water and eat a light, balanced snack if you have missed a meal. Move to a cool place after heat exposure. Keep a note of timing, triggers, medicines and how long each episode lasts. Arrange a routine appointment if symptoms recur, interfere with daily activities or do not settle.

Seek emergency help for a sudden severe headache, weakness or numbness on one side, trouble speaking, fainting, new confusion, chest pain, severe breathlessness, a very fast or irregular heartbeat, repeated vomiting or a new vision problem. Seek prompt medical advice for dizziness with fever, worsening headache, black stools, unusual bleeding or symptoms after a head injury.

Could my symptoms relate to blood pressure, blood count, blood sugar, hydration or an inner-ear problem? Which warning signs should prompt urgent help? Should any medicine, supplement or caffeine change be reviewed?