Why do I get dizzy spells randomly?

Question

Accepted Answer

Random dizzy spells sort by character, and getting the character right is most of the diagnosis. Spinning - the room rotating, often with nausea, triggered by rolling over or looking up: that is vertigo, and brief spinning on head movement is classically BPPV, loose crystals in the inner ear, fixable in one or two clinic maneuvers; spinning lasting hours with ear fullness or hearing changes points at inner-ear conditions; and the NHS notes viral inner-ear inflammation - labyrinthitis - causes days of spinning after colds. Lightheaded, floaty, about-to-faint: that is circulation - standing too fast, dehydration, low blood sugar, anemia, low blood pressure, or anxiety-driven over-breathing. Unsteady, off-balance, wobbly rather than spinning: medications, alcohol, nerve or vision problems.

The diary that diagnoses: character, trigger, duration, and company - seconds of spinning on turning in bed is BPPV; lightheaded on standing is blood pressure; spells with a racing heart and tingling hands are anxiety; spells with a headache are migraine.

The flags: dizziness with fainting, chest pain, or palpitations; dizziness with double vision, slurred speech, weakness, or trouble walking - stroke signs, emergency; spinning so severe you cannot stand with constant vomiting - same-day; and new hearing loss in one ear with vertigo - prompt. Recurring unexplained spells deserve a provider visit with the diary.

Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text. Describe what the dizziness feels like and when it hits, and it can help you sort it.

Why do I get dizzy spells randomly?

Random dizzy spells? Ask Pymander free, 24/7.

What to do

Related questions

Sources