Dizziness & Lightheadedness: What to Know
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded can be unsettling. Here's an overview of common causes and the signs that mean you should seek care urgently.
A catch-all for several sensations
Most causes are not dangerous
With chest pain or weakness? Call 911
Recurrent dizziness is worth assessing
Dizziness is a catch-all word for several different sensations — feeling faint or lightheaded, feeling like the room is spinning (vertigo), or feeling unsteady. Most causes are not dangerous, but a few are serious, so it's worth understanding.
Common causes
Dizziness can come from inner-ear issues, dehydration, standing up too quickly, low blood sugar, certain medications, anxiety, or a range of other causes. Describing exactly what you feel — spinning versus faint versus unsteady — helps your physician narrow it down.
Related readingAlways tired?Fatigue and lightheadedness sometimes share a cause.What can help
For mild, occasional dizziness, sitting or lying down, staying hydrated, and standing up slowly often help. Because dizziness has so many possible causes, recurrent or unexplained episodes are best assessed.
When to seek care — and when it's urgent
See a physician for recurrent, persistent, or unexplained dizziness. Seek urgent care (call 911) if dizziness comes with chest pain, a severe headache, fainting, weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, vision changes, or after a head injury — these can signal a serious problem.
How iCollab can help
Our physicians can assess dizziness, help identify the cause, and arrange further evaluation where needed, coordinated within the team.
This is general information, not medical advice. Dizziness with the urgent signs above needs emergency care.
Have a concern you'd like looked at?
Book with an iCollab physician, or ask at the walk-in clinic.
A closer look
As you scroll, each part highlights on the diagram. This is general education, not a diagnosis.
Inner ear
Many causes of dizziness come from the inner ear, which helps control balance.
Whole head
Dizziness can mean feeling faint, spinning (vertigo), or unsteady — describing which helps identify the cause.
Balance
Other causes include dehydration, standing up quickly, low blood sugar, or medications.
Brain
Dizziness with chest pain, weakness, speech or vision changes, or after a head injury needs urgent care.
Dizziness & Lightheadedness: What to Know — FAQ
What causes dizziness?+
When is dizziness an emergency?+
When should I see a doctor?+
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