dizziness flare ups

Overview

A dizziness flare-up is a sudden or worse-than-usual episode of feeling lightheaded, unsteady, or like the room is spinning. It can last for a few seconds or a few hours, and many flare-ups go away on their own.

Yes. Dizziness is very common. About 1 in 4 people will experience it at some point in their lives.

Anyone can have dizziness, but it is more common in older adults. People with inner ear conditions, migraine, or certain brain and nerve disorders may have flare-ups more often.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Feeling lightheaded or about to faint
• A spinning sensation, also called vertigo
• Feeling unsteady or unbalanced
• Feeling like your head is heavy or full
• Nausea or vomiting with the dizziness

Causes

Main causes

• Problems in the inner ear, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), where tiny crystals move where they shouldn't
• Vestibular migraine, a type of migraine that causes dizziness
• Low blood pressure when standing up quickly (orthostatic hypotension)
• Anxiety or stress, which can affect your balance
• Some medicines (as a side effect)

Risk factors

• Being over 65
• Having had a head injury
• Taking several medicines at once
• Having diabetes, heart problems, or a history of stroke
• Feeling stressed, anxious, or sleep-deprived

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have dizziness that is frequent, severe, or lasts a long time
• If you have already seen a doctor and your symptoms are getting worse

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have mild dizziness that comes and goes but bothers you
• If you feel unsteady and you are worried about falling

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, how often they happen, and what you are doing when they start. They may also check your blood pressure, your balance, and how your eyes move.

Tests that may be done

• A simple head movement test to see if certain positions trigger your dizziness
• A hearing test
• Blood pressure checks while lying, sitting, and standing
• Sometimes, a scan of your brain or inner ear, such as an MRI or CT scan, if the doctor suspects a more serious cause

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor may not be able to give you a clear diagnosis at first. You may be referred to a specialist, such as an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor or a neurologist, for a deeper look.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of your dizziness. Many flare-ups can be managed with simple repositioning movements, lifestyle changes, and treating the underlying condition.

Self-care at home

• During a flare-up, sit or lie down and avoid sudden head movements
• Stand up slowly from sitting or lying down
• Drink small sips of water slowly
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and heavy meals during an episode
• Use good lighting and keep your home free of clutter to reduce falls

Medical treatments

Your doctor may recommend balance exercises called vestibular rehabilitation, which retrains your brain to cope with dizzy spells. In some cases, they may prescribe medicines to help with severe vertigo or nausea. You may also be treated for an underlying condition such as migraine, anxiety, or heart problems.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed. It is only considered for a small number of people with persistent inner ear problems that do not improve with other care.

Living with this condition

Pay attention to what triggers your flare-ups, such as turning your head quickly, looking down, or feeling stressed. Plan rest breaks and always move carefully when you feel off balance.

Lifestyle tips

• Get up slowly and pause before walking
• Stay hydrated throughout the day
• Try to get enough sleep and manage stress
• Use a cane or other walking aid if your doctor agrees

Diet and exercise

Eat regular meals to keep your blood sugar steady. Gentle exercise, like walking, tai chi, or tailored balance activities, can strengthen your sense of balance. Always check with your doctor before starting something new.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is normal to feel anxious or frustrated when you live with dizziness. Some people worry about when the next flare-up will come. Going easy on yourself and asking for support can make a big difference.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent dizziness flare-ups, but you can reduce how often they happen by avoiding your triggers, staying active, and looking after your overall health.

Complications

If left untreated

• Falls and injuries, especially in older adults
• Difficulty doing everyday tasks, like driving or working
• Feelings of anxiety or depression linked to the unpredictability of dizzy spells

Long-term outlook

For most people, dizziness ends up being manageable. Even when the cause takes time to find, treatment and self-care can greatly improve your quality of life. Many people see big improvements within a few weeks or months.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.