Dizziness and giddiness — common causes and when to worry
'Dizziness' covers very different things — true spinning (vertigo), light-headedness, imbalance, or near-fainting. Each points to a different cause and a different work-up.
·Weakness, slurred speech, double vision, or facial droop
·Loss of consciousness or recurrent fainting
·Hearing loss with vertigo
·Chest pain or palpitations with dizziness
This is general guidance, not a diagnosis. If you have any of the above, book a same-day consult or seek urgent care.
Common causes a physician will look for
·BPPV — short bursts of spinning on head movement, treatable in clinic
·Vestibular neuritis — sudden vertigo, often after a viral illness
·Low blood pressure, dehydration, or anaemia
·Cervical spondylosis and posture-related
·Cardiac arrhythmia or medication side effect
What to expect at the consult
Examination including positional manoeuvres, blood pressure (lying/standing), ECG, and targeted blood work. Many causes — especially BPPV — can be treated the same day with a manoeuvre.
Frequently asked
Is dizziness a sign of stroke?
Usually no, but dizziness combined with weakness, speech difficulty, double vision, or sudden severe headache can be a stroke and needs the ER immediately.