dizziness risk reduction

Overview

Dizziness is a feeling of being lightheaded, woozy, unsteady, or as if the room is spinning. It is not a disease itself but a symptom that can happen for many reasons. This article explains how to reduce your risk of feeling dizzy and the harm it can cause, such as falls.

Yes, dizziness is one of the most common reasons people visit a doctor. It becomes more common as people get older.

Dizziness can affect anyone, but it is more common in older adults, people with certain medical conditions like diabetes or inner ear disorders, and those taking multiple medicines.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Lightheadedness or feeling faint
• Feeling off-balance or unsteady
• A spinning sensation (vertigo)
• Nausea or vomiting with some causes
• Weakness or blurred vision, sometimes

Symptoms in children

• Children may tell you the room is spinning or say 'I feel funny'
• They may hold on to furniture or drop to the floor
• They might go pale, be clingy, or vomit
• Sometimes they cannot explain what is wrong

Symptoms in older adults

• Unsteadiness when standing up or walking
• Lightheadedness after changing position quickly
• A feeling of falling or a loss of balance
• Falls or near-misses
• Feeling spaced out or faint

Causes

Main causes

• Inner ear problems, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) — tiny crystals in the inner ear that cause short bursts of vertigo
• Labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis — inflammation of the inner ear, often after a viral infection
• Low blood pressure, especially when standing up quickly (postural hypotension)
• Dehydration or heat exhaustion
• Side effects of certain medicines (talk to a doctor before stopping any medicine)
• Anxiety, stress, or panic attacks
• Neurological conditions, such as migraine or, more rarely, something more serious

Risk factors

• Being aged 65 or over
• Taking several prescription or over-the-counter medicines
• Having high or low blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease
• Having had an inner ear infection
• Dehydration from not drinking enough fluids
• Poor vision or glasses that are not up to date
• Being inactive or having weak leg muscles

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Persistent dizziness that does not improve after a few days
• Severe or disabling dizziness that stops you from doing normal activities
• Dizziness with vomiting, fever, headache, hearing loss, or ringing in your ears
• Dizziness linked to a new medicine (ask your doctor or pharmacist immediately)

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have had more than one dizzy spell
• If dizziness happens with normal activities like walking or standing
• If you are worried about falls
• If you want a balance assessment or a review of your medicines

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms, when they happen, and your health history. They will check your blood pressure and heart and do a physical exam, including simple balance tests and eye movements.

Tests that may be done

• Blood pressure measured while sitting, lying, and standing
• Blood tests to check for anaemia, dehydration, or other causes
• Hearing tests or inner-ear (vestibular) tests
• An MRI or CT scan of the brain or inner ear, if needed
• A heart rhythm check with an ECG

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor may refer you to a specialist, such as a neurologist or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor. Diagnosis can take time, but often a clear history points the way. Expect to describe your dizziness in detail.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. Many cases improve with simple steps, such as drinking more fluids, moving more slowly, and practising balance exercises. If an inner ear problem is found, a doctor or physiotherapist can perform a simple repositioning manoeuvre to correct it.

Self-care at home

• Sit or lie down as soon as you feel dizzy to avoid falling
• Stand up slowly from sitting or lying (wait a few seconds)
• Drink plenty of water through the day unless a doctor has told you otherwise
• Avoid sudden head movements and turning around quickly
• Keep good lighting and remove cords, rugs, and clutter in your home
• Use a walking stick, rail, or other support if you feel unsteady
• Avoid driving or using machinery when you feel dizzy

Medical treatments

Doctors may recommend physical therapy called vestibular rehabilitation to retrain your balance system. If an infection is the cause, they may prescribe a medicine for it. They may adjust your blood pressure medicine if low blood pressure is causing your dizziness. Any medicine is prescribed individually, with a clear explanation of what it is for.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for dizziness. It may be considered only for serious inner-ear conditions, such as an acoustic neuroma, or when other treatments have not worked. A specialist will explain all options.

Living with this condition

Plan your day around your energy and avoid rushing. Tell people around you what to do if you suddenly feel dizzy. Keep a dizzy diary to spot triggers and share it with your doctor.

Lifestyle tips

• Take part in safe physical activity to build strength and balance
• Get enough sleep and rest when you need it
• Reduce alcohol and caffeine if they make your symptoms worse
• Manage stress with breathing exercises or relaxation techniques
• Consider balance classes like tai chi, if recommended by your doctor

Diet and exercise

Eat regular meals and stay hydrated. Some types of dizziness improve when blood pressure stays steady — this may mean adjusting salt and water intake, but only under a doctor's advice. Gentle exercise, like walking or seated strength exercises, can help maintain balance.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Feeling dizzy can be frightening and make you anxious about falling or going out. This anxiety can make dizziness worse. If you feel low or anxious, talk to a doctor or a counsellor. Support is available.

Prevention

Not all dizziness can be prevented, but you can reduce how often it happens and avoid injuries. Staying hydrated, moving slowly, keeping fit, and reviewing your medicines with a doctor all help.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for dizziness itself, but staying up to date with vaccines such as flu and COVID-19 can help prevent infections that sometimes trigger dizziness.

Screening programmes

Older adults can benefit from regular blood pressure checks, vision tests, and a balance check by a pharmacist or doctor. These can catch problems that raise the risk of dizziness and falls.

Complications

If left untreated

• Falls leading to broken bones, especially wrist, hip, or spine injuries
• Head injury from a fall
• Injury to older adults that leads to loss of independence
• Ongoing fear of movement and reduced quality of life
• Rarely, a hidden serious cause such as stroke may go undetected if not assessed

Long-term outlook

For most people, dizziness improves with the right advice and treatment. The future is hopeful — working with your doctor to find the cause and making simple safety changes gives you the best chance of staying steady and independent.

Find support

International organisations

• World Health Organization (WHO) ↗
• Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) ↗

Local organisations

• NHS – Dizziness ↗ · UK

Helplines

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