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We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Lightheadedness is when you feel woozy or like you might faint. You may feel unbalanced or have cloudy vision. Lightheadedness is caused by factors such as standing up quicky, dehydration, and low blood sugar. Lightheadedness is feeling as if you might faint. Your body may feel heavy while your head feels as if it is not getting enough blood. Another way to describe lightheadedness is as a “reeling sensation.” Lightheadedness may be accompanied by clouded vision and a loss of balance. While not always cause for concern, lightheadedness can sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition and can increase your risk for experiencing a fall. For this reason, you should take caution when you feel lightheaded. Lightheadedness often occurs when you move quickly from a seated to a standing position. This positional change results in decreased blood flow to the brain. This can create a drop in blood pressure that makes you feel faint. You are more likely to experience this condition if you are dehydrated due to illness or insufficient fluid intake. The sensation may improve when you sit or lie back down. Lightheadedness may be accompanied by nausea and dizziness. Dizziness is the feeling of being unbalanced or unsteady. It’s often caused by problems with the inner ear, brain, heart, or use of certain medications. According to Cleveland Clinic, 4 out of 10 people have experienced dizziness severe enough to send them to a doctor. Dizziness can be dangerous because it changes your sense of balance and can make you more likely to fall. One type of dizziness, called vertigo, causes the false sense that your surroundings are moving or spinning when in reality they are still. Vertigo may cause you to feel like you are floating, tilting, swaying, or whirling. Most cases of vertigo are caused by inner ear disorders, which send signals to your brain that aren’t consistent with the signs your eyes and sensory nerves are receiving. Seek immediate medical attention if you have lost a significant amount of blood and are feeling lightheaded. Also, lightheadedness accompanied by heart attack or stroke symptoms should be immediately treated. These symptoms include: Do not attempt to drive yourself to the hospital if you experience these symptoms. Instead, call an ambulance. If your lightheadedness persists after a week or so or has resulted in an injury or nausea, see your physician. Also seek medical attention if your lightheadedness worsens over time. This information is a summary. Seek medical attention if you suspect you need urgent care. Lightheadedness that is not due to severe blood loss, heart attack, or stroke often subsides with time. Other treatments will address the underlying condition. Treatment for the less-serious causes of lightheadedness may include:
For more serious cases of lightheadedness, or for lightheadedness that doesn’t go away, treatment may include:
Shop for water pills. Standing up slowly and avoiding sudden changes in posture can help to prevent lightheadedness. Drink plenty of water, especially when you are ill or exercising intensely. Avoid bright lights and wear sunglasses when outdoors. Avoid substances known to cause lightheadedness, such as alcohol or tobacco. Antihistamines, sedatives, and antinausea medications may also cause lightheadedness. Do not discontinue taking prescription medications without your physician’s recommendation. If you tend to experience lightheadedness on a regular basis, here are some additional tips to help improve the quality of your life:
Last medically reviewed on July 18, 2016
Possible causes of dizziness include vertigo, dehydration, hypoglycemia, and neurological conditions. Lifestyle changes and medications are among the most common treatments. Dizziness is the feeling of being lightheaded, woozy, or off-balance. It’s linked to the sensory organs, specifically the eyes and ears, so it can sometimes cause fainting. Dizziness isn’t a disease itself but rather a symptom of various disorders. Dizziness is common. Occasional dizziness isn’t something to worry about. However, it’s important to call a doctor immediately if you’re experiencing repeated episodes of dizziness for no apparent reason or for a prolonged period. Dizziness has a variety of possible causes. Vertigo and disequilibriumTrue dizziness is the feeling of lightheadedness or nearly fainting. Vertigo and disequilibrium may both cause a feeling of dizziness, but these two terms describe distinct sensations. Vertigo is characterized by a spinning sensation, like the room is moving. It may also feel like motion sickness or as if you’re leaning to one side. Disequilibrium is a loss of balance or equilibrium. A common cause of vertigo and vertigo-related dizziness is benign positional vertigo (BPV). BPV leads to short-term dizziness when someone changes positions quickly, such as sitting up in bed after lying down. Dizziness and vertigo can also be triggered by Meniere’s disease. This condition causes fluid to build up in the ear with associated ear fullness, hearing loss, and tinnitus. Another possible cause of dizziness and vertigo is an acoustic neuroma. This noncancerous tumor forms on the vestibulocochlear nerve (auditory nerve), which connects the inner ear to the brain. Common causesLosing too much fluid can result in dehydration, one of the most common causes of dizziness. Symptoms of dehydration include thirst and dry skin. Other common causes of dizziness include a migraine attack or alcohol. Dizziness can also result from a problem in the inner ear, which is the area that senses movement and regulates balance. These problems include hearing loss. Dizziness may be linked to certain medications, too, including:
Other possible causesSome other potential causes of dizziness include:
In rare cases, a stroke, a malignant tumor, or another brain disorder can cause dizziness. People who are dizzy may experience various sensations, including:
Sometimes, dizziness is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or fainting. Seek emergency medical help if you have these symptoms for extended periods. When to call a doctor about dizzinessIt’s important to call a doctor if you have repeated bouts of dizziness. Also, notify a doctor immediately if you experience sudden dizziness along with: These symptoms could indicate a serious health problem, so it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. According to a 2021 Swedish study, 5% of people who used emergency services for dizziness had a time-critical medical issue. If you don’t already have a primary care doctor, the Healthline FindCare tool can help you find a physician in your area. Treatment for dizziness focuses on the underlying cause. In most cases, home remedies and medical treatments can help you manage the underlying cause. The following are potential treatments for the causes of dizziness:
A doctor can narrow down the cause of your dizziness by performing a physical examination. They’ll ask you questions about your dizziness, including:
A doctor may also:
If the doctor suspects certain causes, including carbon monoxide poisoning, heart conditions, or a stroke, they may recommend a CT scan, an MRI, or another imaging test. You may also need additional tests. In some cases, a doctor can’t determine the cause of dizziness. Balance testsA doctor or specialist may perform tests to check your balance. These tests look for problems with your inner ear that may affect your balance or cause dizziness. They include:
Tests for vertigoIf you have vertigo, the doctor may perform the following tests:
Hearing testsHearing tests may also be performed for dizziness and balance issues. These tests may include:
Electrocochleography can help diagnose Meniere’s disease. Cardiac testsTests that can help a doctor diagnose cardiac causes of dizziness include the:
Follow these tips if you have recurrent bouts of dizziness:
Always speak with a doctor if you’re concerned about the frequency or severity of your dizziness. Most cases of dizziness clear up on their own once you treat the underlying cause. In rare cases, dizziness can be a symptom of a more serious health problem. Dizziness may result in complications related to fainting or a loss of balance. This can be especially dangerous when you’re driving, operating heavy machinery, or climbing a ladder. Use caution if you feel an episode of dizziness coming on. If you become dizzy, stop driving immediately or find a safe place to steady yourself until the feeling passes. Last medically reviewed on August 10, 2022 |