Dizziness
What is dizziness?
Dizziness can describe several different sensations. Dizziness is an impairment of spatial orientation. A dizzy spell doesn't always indicate a life-threatening condition, but it can be unnerving. Dizziness can be associated with more serious conditions, such as a stroke or cardiovascular problems. Even on its own, though, if dizziness leads to a fall, it can be dangerous.
Dizziness can occur when you’re moving, standing still or lying down. When you’re dizzy, you may feel:
Faint.
Lightheaded.
Nauseous.
Unsteady.
Woozy.
What’s the difference between dizziness and vertigo?
Intense vertigo can make you nauseous or so unsteady you can’t drive or walk. It feels like you or objects around you are:
Floating.
Spinning.
Swaying.
Tilting.
What causes dizziness?
A number of conditions can cause dizziness because balance involves several parts of the body. The brain gets input about movement and your body’s position from your:
Inner ear.
Eyes.
Muscles.
Joints.
Skin.
Dizziness Symptoms
People experiencing dizziness may describe it as any of a number of sensations, such as:
A false sense of motion or spinning (vertigo)
Lightheadedness or feeling faint
Unsteadiness or a loss of balance
A feeling of floating, wooziness or heavy-headedness
These feelings may be triggered or worsened by walking, standing up or moving your head. Your dizziness may be accompanied by nausea or be so sudden or severe that you need to sit or lie down. The episode may last seconds or days and may occur.
When to seek care
Generally, see your doctor if you experience any recurrent, sudden, severe, or prolonged and unexplained dizziness or vertigo.
Get emergency medical care if you experience new, severe dizziness or vertigo along with any of the following:
Sudden, severe headache
Chest pain
Difficulty breathing
Numbness or paralysis of arms or legs
Fainting
Double vision
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Confusion or slurred speech
Stumbling or difficulty walking
Ongoing vomiting
Seizures
A sudden change in hearing
Facial numbness or weakness
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