Dizziness

Dizziness is a broad description that may mean feeling faint, unsteady, off balance or as though the room is spinning. Those experiences can have different causes. A clinician will ask you to describe the sensation, its timing and any associated symptoms rather than treating dizziness as a diagnosis by itself.

Which description is most useful?

Explain whether you feel close to fainting, whether the surroundings move, or whether walking feels unsteady. Note whether standing, turning your head or exertion brings it on. Tell the doctor how long episodes last and whether you feel normal between them.

Mention hearing changes, headache, chest symptoms, palpitations, vomiting and recent illness. Bring a list of current medicines and describe any recent dose changes. Do not stop treatment on your own because dizziness could have several explanations.

For the Australian guidance behind this explanation, see Healthdirect Australia: Dizziness - symptoms, treatments and causes - Healthdirect Australia.

What should I do during an episode?

Sit or lie somewhere safe and avoid driving, ladders or hazardous equipment while affected. If you are alone and symptoms are severe, ask for help. A person who may faint should not try to walk unaided simply to reach another room.

A doctor may examine balance, eye movements, circulation or heart rhythm and decide which tests are needed. Telehealth can gather the history but cannot replace every physical assessment. Ask what you can safely do while waiting and which changes should prompt urgent review. Repeated unexplained episodes deserve assessment even if each one settles.

When should I call 000?

Dizziness with chest pain, severe breathlessness, collapse, new weakness, speech difficulty, double vision or a sudden severe headache can indicate an emergency. Call 000 rather than waiting for a routine consultation. Persistent vomiting, new hearing loss or inability to walk safely also needs prompt medical assessment. A prior episode does not prove the current one has the same cause.

Where to go next

Read online doctor consultations to understand the relevant service. A doctor decides whether a consultation, examination, referral or another pathway is appropriate for your situation.