Types of Dizziness
| Type | Description | Common Causes |
|---|---|---|
| Vertigo | Spinning sensation, world moving around you | BPPV, vestibular neuritis, Ménière's disease |
| Presyncope | Feeling faint, lightheaded, about to pass out | Low blood pressure, dehydration, cardiac arrhythmia, vasovagal |
| Disequilibrium | Unsteadiness, imbalance without spinning | Peripheral neuropathy, vision problems, inner ear issues |
| Non-specific dizziness | Vague 'floating' or 'fuzzy' feeling | Anxiety, medication side effects, low blood sugar |
Emergency Red Flags with Dizziness
- Sudden severe dizziness with slurred speech, facial droop, or limb weakness (stroke)
- Double vision, difficulty swallowing, or new severe headache with dizziness
- Chest pain or palpitations with dizziness
- Dizziness after a head injury
- New dizziness with severe unsteadiness unable to walk
Common Benign Causes
| Cause | Key Feature |
|---|---|
| BPPV | Brief spinning episodes triggered by head movement (rolling over in bed, looking up) |
| Postural hypotension | Dizziness on standing up quickly, especially in elderly or dehydrated |
| Vestibular neuritis | Sudden severe vertigo, often after a viral illness, lasting days |
| Anxiety-related | Vague dizziness with other anxiety symptoms, often health-anxiety related |
Dizziness + Neurological Symptoms = Stroke WarningSudden dizziness accompanied by slurred speech, facial drooping, arm weakness, double vision, or difficulty walking requires an immediate 999 call — this combination can indicate a posterior circulation stroke, which doesn't always follow the classic FAST pattern.
The Epley ManoeuvreBPPV (the most common cause of vertigo) often responds dramatically to a specific repositioning exercise called the Epley manoeuvre, which can be taught by a doctor, physiotherapist, or audiologist and sometimes performed at home.
Why do I feel dizzy when I stand up quickly?
This is usually postural (orthostatic) hypotension — blood pressure temporarily drops on standing. It's common with dehydration, certain medications, and in older adults. Rising slowly and staying hydrated helps.
Can anxiety really cause dizziness?
Yes — hyperventilation associated with anxiety is a very common cause of a vague, floaty dizziness, sometimes with tingling in fingers or around the mouth.
How is vertigo different from feeling faint?
Vertigo is a false sensation of movement or spinning (either you or the environment). Feeling faint (presyncope) is a sense that you might lose consciousness, often with visual dimming or ringing in ears.
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for general education only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.