Definitions

Dizziness

When to make a doctor’s appointment

Make an appointment to see a doctor if:

• Happens repeatedly
• Lasts for a long time
• Severe
• A sense that the room is spinning
• Unable to perform daily activities

Description

A range of sensations that can include feeling faint, woozy, weak, unsteady or a sense of spinning.

Self-care

Sit or lie down right away. Lie still with the eyes closed in a dark room to ease a sense of spinning. Don't drink alcohol or caffeine. These can make symptoms worse.

When to seek immediate medical care

Seek emergency help if dizziness happens with symptoms such as:

• Sudden headache.
• Chest pain.
• Breathing problems.
• Trouble feeling or moving arms or legs.
• Passing out.
• Double vision.
• Fast or irregular heartbeat.

When to make a doctor's appointment

Get help for dizziness if it:

• Keeps coming back.
• Starts quickly.
• Feels terrible.
• Lasts a long time.