Week-long headache and dizziness: what to know

Dizziness can feel like lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or spinning. The pattern matters: spinning triggered by turning in bed can occur with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, while feeling faint after heat, sweating, vomiting, diarrhoea, or poor fluid intake can point towards dehydration or heat exhaustion.

Other possibilities include low blood sugar, anxiety, or anaemia, particularly when tiredness, paleness, breathlessness, or heavy bleeding are also present. A clinician may ask about medicines, vision, recent illness, hearing changes, blood pressure, and whether the headache is different from your usual pattern.

Arrange a medical appointment promptly. Until then, drink fluids regularly, eat balanced meals if you can, rise slowly, and avoid driving, heights, or machinery while dizzy. Note when the headache and dizziness occur, what makes them better or worse, and any associated symptoms. Do not start iron, migraine, or dizziness medicines without checking that they fit your situation.

Seek emergency help for a sudden severe headache, new weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, fainting, confusion, seizure, chest pain, severe shortness of breath, repeated vomiting, fever with a stiff neck, or difficulty walking. Urgent assessment is also needed after a head injury or when symptoms are rapidly worsening.

Ask whether your symptoms suggest an inner-ear problem, dehydration, anaemia, blood-pressure change, or another cause; which examination or blood tests are appropriate; and which warning signs should change your plan.