Dizziness, vertigo, feeling faint and balance problems

goodtoknow says: We feel dizzy for all sorts of reasons. Dizziness can refer to various conditions, from when we feel faint, unwell or light-headed, to vertigo or difficulties with balance. It can be caused by problems with your inner ear, your eyes or a mix up of nerve messages to your brain. It can also be triggered by other medical conditions, some minor, some serious, such as a drop in blood pressure or a heart condition. Sometimes your medication may cause it. If you frequently feel dizzy see your doctor for tests.

For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of dizziness from patient.co.uk, read on.

This leaflet gives a brief overview of the causes of dizziness. There are separate, more detailed leaflets for some of the conditions listed.

What is dizziness?

Dizziness is a word that is used to mean different things. For example, some people say that they are 'dizzy' when they have vertigo, or balance problems, or feeling faint, or feeling light-headed, or feeling weak, or feeling unsteady, or sometimes simply just when they feel confused or emotional.

There are various causes of dizziness. Some are common, some are rare. Some are minor problems, some are serious and even life threatening. As a general rule, if you feel dizzy regularly and you do not know why you are dizzy, it is best to see adoctor to get it checked out.