Dr. Niamh Kelly
In personOnlineIMC verified
Dizziness
Dizziness can mean feeling light-headed, unsteady, faint or like the room is spinning. It can come from dehydration, inner ear problems, low blood pressure, heart rhythm issues, stroke-like problems or anxiety, so red flags matter.
When to get emergency care
Get emergency help immediately if you have any of these:
- Dizziness with fainting, chest pain, shortness of breath or a racing heartbeat.
- Dizziness with face drooping, arm weakness, speech trouble, confusion, severe headache or vision loss.
- Dizziness after head injury or with repeated vomiting.
- Dizziness with black stools, heavy bleeding, severe dehydration or very little urine.
- Dizziness during pregnancy with abdominal pain, bleeding, severe headache or blurred vision.
Get emergency help or call 112
Common causes
- Dehydration, heat exposure, missed meals or low blood pressure.
- Inner ear balance problems.
- Anaemia or low blood count.
- Heart rhythm or blood pressure problems.
- Anxiety or panic after urgent causes are considered.
What to expect at your consultation
- A clinician may ask what dizziness feels like, when it started, and whether it is linked to position, hearing, chest symptoms or weakness.
- They may check blood pressure lying and standing, pulse, ears and neurological signs.
- ECG, blood tests or urgent imaging may be needed if red flags are present.
Looking after yourself
- Sit or lie down somewhere safe until the dizziness settles.
- Avoid driving, climbing or operating machinery while dizzy.
- Drink safe fluids if dehydration is likely and you can swallow normally.
Frequently asked questions
- Is dizziness the same as vertigo?
- Vertigo is a spinning feeling. Dizziness can also mean faintness or imbalance.
- When is dizziness urgent?
- Dizziness with fainting, chest pain, breathlessness, weakness, speech trouble, severe headache, pregnancy bleeding or head injury needs urgent care.
- Can low blood pressure cause dizziness?
- Yes, especially when standing, dehydrated or unwell, but other causes may need checking.
- Which doctor should I see for dizziness?
- A general physician can start assessment. A neurologist may help if there are nerve or brain warning signs.
Not sure how urgent this is?
Answer a few questions and we will tell you how soon to be seen.
Check my symptomsWhich doctor should I see?
- General Physician Good first contact because dizziness has many possible causes.
- Neurologist Important when dizziness comes with weakness, speech problems, severe headache or imbalance.
- Cardiologist Helpful when dizziness is linked with fainting, palpitations or chest symptoms.
Not sure? See a general physician
Related doctors
Verified profiles for dizziness start with general physician.
Dr. Ronan Fitzgerald
In personOnlineIMC verified
Not sure which doctor fits? See a general physician