Dizziness is a common symptom. It may be described as a feeling of light-headedness, spinning, or feeling like you are going to faint. Dizziness can have many causes.
Tell the healthcare provider about:
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All medicines you take. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbs, and supplements. And tell your healthcare provider about any change in your medicines.
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Any other symptoms you have
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Any health problems you are being treated for
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Any past major health problems you've had, such as a heart attack, balance issues, hearing problems, stiffness in the neck and shoulders, or blood pressure problems
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Anything that causes the dizziness to get worse or better
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Any recent head trauma, neck injury, or history of migraine
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Whether the dizziness came on all at once or was gradual
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Whether a dizziness episode occurs in a particular position of your head or posture
Sometimes the exact cause for your dizziness cannot be found right away . Other tests may be needed. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions.
Home care
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Dizziness that occurs with sudden standing may be a sign of mild dehydration. Drink extra fluids for the next few days.
If you tend to get dizzy whenever you stand up from a sitting or lying (reclining) position:
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Avoid sudden changes in posture.
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Get up from a lying position slowly, and stay seated for a few moments before standing.
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When standing, make sure you have something to hold on to.
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If you recently started a new medicine, stopped a medicine, or had the dose of a current medicine changed, talk with the prescribing healthcare provider. Your medicine plan may need adjustment.
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If dizziness lasts more than a few seconds, sit or lie down until it passes. This may help prevent injury in case you pass out. Get up slowly when you feel better.
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You may need a cane or other walking aids to avoid falling if you get dizzy.
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Discuss your daily intake of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco with your healthcare provider.
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Don't drive or use power tools or dangerous equipment until you have had no dizziness for at least 48 hours.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation in the next 7 days, or as advised.
When to get medical advice
Call your healthcare provider for any of the following:
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Worsening of symptoms or new symptoms
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Repeated vomiting
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Headache
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Vision or hearing changes
Call 911
Call
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Sudden severe headache or chest, arm, neck, back, or jaw pain
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Numbness or weakness of an arm or leg or one side of the face
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Vomit or stool that's black or red
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Shortness of breath
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Feeling that your heart is fluttering or beating fast or hard (palpitations)
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Passing out or seizure
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Trouble walking or speaking
Online Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Melinda Murray Ratini DO
Online Medical Reviewer: Vinita Wadhawan Researcher
Date Last Reviewed: 11/01/2024
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
