Dizziness: quick fixes, causes, and when to get help
Dizziness isn't just feeling lightheaded — it can be a sign of many different problems. Sometimes it's harmless and goes away with water and rest. Other times it points to low blood pressure, an inner ear issue, medication side effects, or a problem that needs urgent care. Knowing what to do fast can stop a bad episode from getting worse.
Types and common causes
There are three main ways people describe dizziness: vertigo (a spinning feeling), presyncope (like you're about to faint), and imbalance (walking like you're tipped). Vertigo often comes from the inner ear — benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a classic example. Presyncope usually links to low blood pressure, dehydration, or a sudden drop when you stand. Imbalance can come from nerves, muscles, or chronic conditions.
Medications are a big trigger. Blood pressure drugs (including alpha blockers like terazosin), some antidepressants, antihistamines, sedatives, and certain heart meds can cause lightheadedness. Missing meals, low blood sugar, alcohol, and anxiety also top the list. If you’ve started a new drug, watch for dizziness in the first days.
What to do during an episode
If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down right away. Put your head between your knees if you can’t lie down. Sip water slowly, and eat a small snack if you haven’t eaten for a while. Avoid sudden movements — stand up slowly from sitting. Do not drive or operate machinery until you feel steady.
For a spinning sensation from BPPV, simple head-maneuvering exercises like the Epley maneuver often help. You can learn them from a physiotherapist or trusted online guide, but stop if symptoms worsen or you get severe nausea.
If dizziness follows a new medication, don’t stop the drug on your own. Call your doctor or pharmacist and ask if the medicine might cause dizziness or if the dose can be adjusted. Tapering some drugs suddenly can be dangerous, so always get medical advice — for example, stopping blood pressure or psychiatric meds needs a plan.
Small daily habits reduce risk: stay hydrated, eat regular meals, limit alcohol, stand up slowly, and use a cane or rail if balance is poor. Check your vision, and keep home floors clear of tripping hazards. If you pass out even once, seek medical care.
See a doctor quickly if dizziness comes with chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache, slurred speech, weakness, double vision, or fainting. Those signs suggest a serious problem such as a stroke, heart issue, or severe infection.
Track episodes in a notebook or phone: note time, what you were doing, how long it lasted, other symptoms, and any meds. A short log helps your doctor spot patterns and adjust treatment faster. Bring this record to appointments. Share it early.
