Dizziness Evaluation and Care

Feelings of dizziness are one of the many ways that your body may be trying to tell you that something isn’t right. Even if dizziness only lasts for a short period of time and then goes away, it’s important to be evaluated by a medical professional who can evaluate your condition and provide you with a diagnosis. In most cases, acute, or short-term, dizziness is not likely due to a serious condition, but you should never take chances when your health is involved.

Dizziness can affect everyone differently. This symptom may take the form of:

• Blurred vision
• Difficulty walking
• Feeling as if the world around you is spinning
• Feeling as if you are spinning while the world is stationary
• Lightheadedness
• Loss of balance (disequilibrium)
• Vertigo

Dizziness may be accompanied by:

• Ear pain
• Fainting
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Vomiting
• Weakness

Some of the most common causes of dizzy feelings include dehydration, anemia, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), anxiety, whiplash, migraine headaches, ear infections, and the flu. These conditions and their symptoms, although not life-threatening, should be treated quickly by a medical professional.

However, symptoms of dizziness or lightheadedness can also be indications of more serious disorders such as a stroke, heart attack, head injury, or an abnormal heart rhythm. If you think you may be experiencing any of these medical emergencies, call 9-1-1 or visit your closest emergency room.