Dizziness

Overview

Dizziness is one of the most common and vaguest symptoms in medicine — people use it to mean very different sensations. Getting the description right is the key to finding the cause, because the treatment for a spinning sensation, a near-faint, and unsteadiness is entirely different. This page covers dizziness in general; for the two most common specific types, see Vertigo and Lightheadedness.

The four types of dizziness

• Vertigo — a false sense of spinning or movement, as if the room is rotating (see Vertigo).
• Lightheadedness / presyncope — a feeling of near-fainting, faintness or “going black” (see Lightheadedness).
• Disequilibrium — a sense of unsteadiness or imbalance, especially on standing or walking.
• Non-specific dizziness — a vague floating or woozy sensation, often linked to anxiety or hyperventilation.

Common causes

• Inner-ear problems — BPPV, vestibular neuritis, Meniere’s disease.
• Blood pressure changes — orthostatic hypotension, especially on standing.
• Dehydration, anaemia or low blood sugar.
• Medication side effects — especially blood-pressure tablets and sedatives.
• Anxiety and hyperventilation.
• Cardiac causes — irregular or slow heartbeat causing reduced blood flow to the brain.
• Neurological causes — including migraine-associated dizziness and, rarely, stroke.

Evaluation

Evaluation starts with a careful description of the sensation, its triggers (standing up, turning the head, stress), duration and accompanying symptoms. Blood pressure is checked lying and standing, the heart is examined, and a neurological examination including balance tests is performed. Blood tests check for anaemia, blood sugar and thyroid dysfunction. Further tests are ordered based on the likely cause.

Warning features

• Sudden dizziness with double vision, slurred speech, weakness or numbness — possible stroke.
• Dizziness with chest pain, palpitations or fainting — possible cardiac cause.
• Continuous, severe dizziness with vomiting and inability to walk.
• Dizziness after a head injury.

How we help

Dr. Nayak identifies the type of dizziness and its likely cause, checks blood pressure, heart and neurological function, and arranges targeted tests — then builds a plan that may include medication review, hydration, vestibular exercises or referral. Consultations are available in-clinic in Bhubaneswar and over teleconsultation.

Related conditions and patient concerns

• Vertigo
• Lightheadedness
• Hypertension & Cardiovascular Risk
• Palpitations & Cardiovascular Symptoms
• Fatigue, Weakness & General Symptoms
• Thyroid Disorders