Understanding dizziness
Dizziness can mean feeling faint, weak, lightheaded or unsteady. Vertigo is the feeling that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving when they are not.
Possible causes of dizziness
- Neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis can affect balance over time.
- Medicines, including anti-seizure drugs, antidepressants, sedatives and tranquillisers, can cause dizziness. Blood pressure medicines may cause faintness if blood pressure falls too low.
- Anxiety disorders, including panic attacks and agoraphobia, can cause lightheadedness or a woozy feeling.
- Low iron levels or anaemia may cause dizziness alongside tiredness, weakness and pale skin.
- Low blood sugar can cause lightheadedness, sweating and anxiety. It often occurs in people with diabetes who use insulin.
- Overheating or dehydration can cause dizziness, particularly during activity in hot weather or when taking certain heart medicines.
When to seek emergency care
Seek emergency medical care if severe dizziness or vertigo occurs with any of the following:
- A sudden, severe headache.
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing.
- Numbness or paralysis in the arms or legs.
- Fainting or seizures.
- Double vision.
- A rapid or irregular heartbeat.
- Confusion or slurred speech.
- Stumbling or difficulty walking.
- Ongoing vomiting.
- A sudden change in hearing.
- Facial numbness or weakness.