Dizziness

"Dizziness" is a broad term covering several distinct sensations, and identifying which one applies is often the most useful step toward understanding the cause.

Vertigo (a Spinning Sensation)

A false sense that you or your surroundings are spinning, most often caused by an inner ear problem such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV, triggered by specific head movements) or an inner ear infection.

Lightheadedness (Feeling Faint)

A sensation of almost passing out, often from a temporary drop in blood flow to the brain — common causes include standing up too quickly (orthostatic hypotension), dehydration, low blood sugar, or, less commonly, a heart rhythm problem.

Disequilibrium (Loss of Balance)

A feeling of unsteadiness or imbalance while walking, without the room spinning, which can result from issues with the inner ear, nerves in the legs, vision problems, or certain neurological conditions — more common in older adults.

Other Causes

Anxiety, certain medications — including some blood pressure medications and sedatives, which can cause dizziness especially in older adults — migraine (a form called vestibular migraine can cause dizziness with or without a headache), and low iron levels can all cause a vague, hard-to-categorize dizzy sensation.

When to Seek Prompt Care

Seek prompt medical care for dizziness with chest pain, severe headache, difficulty speaking, double vision, weakness, or numbness — these can indicate a more serious underlying cause needing urgent evaluation.