Signs and Symptoms of Dizziness

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.