Overview
Dizziness is an umbrella term covering several different sensations: a feeling that the room is spinning (vertigo), feeling light-headed or faint, or a general sense of unsteadiness. Most dizziness has a benign cause, but some causes require urgent assessment.
How common is it?
Dizziness is a common symptom, particularly in older people. It can describe spinning, faintness or unsteadiness, which have different possible causes.
Causes and risk factors
The most common cause of spinning vertigo is a problem with the inner ear. Light-headedness often relates to blood pressure drops or dehydration. A neurological cause is less common but important to exclude. Low blood glucose is another cause, especially in people taking insulin or sulfonylureas; check glucose promptly if this could apply.
Common risk factors
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): tiny crystals displaced in the inner ear
- Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis: inner ear inflammation
- Low blood pressure on standing (orthostatic hypotension)
- Dehydration
- Ménière's disease
- Anxiety
- Medications (antihypertensives, diuretics)
- Rare: brain tumour or stroke affecting balance centres
Symptoms
- Sensation that you or the room is spinning (vertigo)
- Feeling faint or about to black out
- Unsteadiness when walking
- Nausea and vomiting with vertigo
- Hearing loss or tinnitus with inner ear causes
- Triggered by head position changes in BPPV
When to see a doctor
Call emergency services (999 in the UK) if dizziness occurs suddenly with facial droop, arm or leg weakness, speech difficulty, vision loss, severe headache, or difficulty walking. Symptoms that resolve can still require emergency assessment. Do not drive yourself. Seek medical advice for unexplained persistent or recurrent dizziness or repeated falls.
Diagnosis
Assessment depends on the symptoms and may include blood pressure and glucose checks. The Dix-Hallpike positional test can help diagnose BPPV. Hearing and balance tests may be needed for inner ear problems. Blood tests or brain imaging are used when another cause is suspected.
Treatments
Epley manoeuvre
A series of head position changes performed by a physiotherapist or GP to reposition displaced crystals in the inner ear. Highly effective for BPPV.
Vestibular rehabilitation exercises
Exercises that train the brain to compensate for inner ear dysfunction. Effective for chronic vestibular conditions.
Medications
Prochlorperazine or antihistamines for acute vestibular symptoms. Betahistine for Ménière's disease. Treatment of underlying blood pressure or anxiety disorders.
Self-care and lifestyle
- Move slowly when changing position especially getting up from lying down
- Ensure adequate hydration especially in hot weather
- Do not drive, climb ladders or operate machinery while dizzy. Get persistent or recurrent dizziness assessed.
- Follow exercises or repositioning treatment recommended for your diagnosed condition. BPPV often improves with treatment but can recur.
Prevention
Stay well hydrated, change position slowly, review medications that can lower blood pressure, and treat inner ear infections early.
Sources for targeted updates
Updated: 24 October 2026. Targeted corrections to frequency, causes, diagnosis, self-care, key facts. This update covers the named sections; a full review of the remaining guide is pending.