Dizziness is a common complaint and can have many different symptoms, including:
- Spinning sensation (vertigo): This is the sensation that the environment is moving or spinning around you, and can be accompanied by nausea and unsteadiness.
- Lightheadedness: A feeling of unsteadiness or weakness, often accompanied by a sensation of fainting.
- Imbalance or unsteadiness: A feeling of being off-balance or unsteady on your feet, especially when walking or standing up.
- Nausea: A feeling of sickness in the stomach, often accompanied by vomiting.
- Headache: A pain in the head, which may be throbbing or constant.
- Visual disturbances: Changes in vision, such as double vision or blurred vision.
- Tinnitus: Ringing or other noises in the ear.
- Sweating: Excessive sweating, especially when accompanied by dizziness.
- Fatigue: A feeling of tiredness or weakness, especially when accompanied by dizziness.
It’s important to call a doctor if you have repeated bouts of dizziness. Also, notify a doctor immediately if you experience sudden dizziness along with:
- a head injury
- a headache
- neck stiffness
- a high fever
- ongoing vomiting
- blurred vision
- hearing loss
- tinnitus
- difficulty speaking
- numbness or tingling
- droopiness of the eye or mouth
- loss of consciousness
- chest pain
- heart palpitations or a low heart rate
These symptoms could indicate a serious health problem, so it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. According to a 2021 Swedish study, 5% of people who used emergency services for dizziness had a time-critical medical issue.