What causes dizziness?

Spinning triggered by turning in bed or moving the head can occur with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, an inner-ear problem. Lightheadedness after standing may reflect dehydration, heat exhaustion, low blood pressure, or reduced circulating fluid. Hypoglycaemia can cause dizziness with sweating, shaking, hunger, or confusion, especially in someone using diabetes medicine. Iron Deficiency Anaemia may cause dizziness with tiredness, breathlessness, or paleness. Generalised Anxiety Disorder can produce dizziness during rapid breathing or intense worry. Atrial fibrillation may cause dizziness with an irregular heartbeat, fluttering, breathlessness, or weakness.

The timing, trigger, associated symptoms, medicines, fluid intake, and whether the room spins help a clinician narrow the possibilities.

Sit or lie down until the sensation passes, rise slowly, and avoid driving, heights, or machinery while symptoms continue. Drink fluids if you may be dehydrated and can safely swallow. If you have diabetes, follow your personalised plan for suspected low blood sugar. Keep a record of episodes, triggers, duration, heartbeat changes, meals, heat exposure, and medicines. Arrange an assessment when dizziness is new, recurrent, worsening, or affecting walking or daily tasks.

Call emergency services for dizziness with facial drooping, one-sided weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, sudden severe headache, fainting, chest pain, severe breathlessness, or a new inability to walk. Seek urgent care for a sustained irregular heartbeat, repeated vomiting, severe dehydration, confusion, or dizziness after a head injury. Do not try to walk unaided if you feel at risk of falling.

Does the sensation suggest vertigo, faintness, dehydration, anaemia, blood sugar change, or a heart rhythm issue? Should my blood pressure, blood count, glucose, or heart rhythm be checked?