Quick Answer
Most dizziness is not dangerous, but seek immediate care if it comes with severe headache, vision changes, weakness, difficulty speaking, or chest pain—these could indicate stroke or heart problems. Sudden, severe vertigo (room-spinning sensation) also warrants urgent evaluation.
🚨 Call 911 Immediately For:
Dizziness WITH any of these symptoms may indicate stroke or heart attack:
- Face drooping, arm weakness, or speech difficulty (stroke signs - use FAST test)
- Sudden severe headache - worst headache of your life
- Double vision or sudden vision loss
- Difficulty walking or sudden loss of coordination
- Numbness or weakness in face, arm, or leg (especially one side)
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Confusion or difficulty understanding speech
- Loss of consciousness or near-fainting
Types of Dizziness
Vertigo (Room Spinning)
Feels like: The room is spinning or you're moving when you're still. Often worsens with head movement.
Common causes:
- • BPPV (benign positional vertigo) - most common, not dangerous
- • Inner ear infection (vestibular neuritis)
- • Meniere's disease
- • Migraine-associated vertigo
Lightheadedness (Feeling Faint)
Feels like: You might pass out, weakness, vision darkening. Often improves when lying down.
Common causes:
- • Low blood pressure (standing up too quickly)
- • Dehydration
- • Low blood sugar
- • Anemia
- • Heart rhythm problems
Disequilibrium (Unsteadiness)
Feels like: Off-balance, unsteady on your feet, but head feels clear.
Common causes:
- • Inner ear problems
- • Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy)
- • Medication side effects
- • Vision problems
📞 See a Doctor Soon (Not Emergency) If:
- • Dizziness persists for more than a few days
- • Recurring episodes of dizziness
- • Dizziness interferes with daily activities
- • New dizziness with hearing loss or ringing in ears
- • Dizziness when standing up (orthostatic hypotension)
- • You're taking medications that may cause dizziness
- • Dizziness with nausea/vomiting that won't stop
Common Benign Causes
These causes are usually not dangerous but may need treatment:
- BPPV (Benign Positional Vertigo): Crystals in inner ear. Brief spinning with head position changes. Very treatable.
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids. Common in heat, illness, or exercise.
- Low Blood Sugar: Especially in diabetics or those who haven't eaten.
- Medication Side Effects: Blood pressure meds, antidepressants, seizure medications.
- Anxiety: Panic attacks can cause dizziness, rapid breathing, tingling.
- Migraine: Can cause vertigo even without headache.
The FAST Test for Stroke
If you have dizziness with neurological symptoms, use FAST:
F - Face: Ask person to smile. Does one side droop?
A - Arms: Ask person to raise both arms. Does one drift downward?
S - Speech: Ask person to repeat a simple phrase. Is speech slurred or strange?
T - Time: If you see ANY of these signs, call 911 immediately.
Time is critical in stroke—every minute matters!
What to Do When Dizzy
Immediate Actions
- • Sit or lie down immediately to prevent falls
- • Focus on a stationary object if room is spinning
- • Avoid sudden head movements
- • Drink water if you might be dehydrated
- • Don't drive or operate machinery
Prevention Tips
- • Stand up slowly (especially from lying or sitting)
- • Stay hydrated
- • Avoid sudden head movements if prone to vertigo
- • Review medications with doctor
- • Control blood pressure and blood sugar
When Dizziness Needs Workup
Your doctor may order tests if:
- • You're over 50 with new onset dizziness
- • You have cardiovascular risk factors
- • Dizziness is progressively worsening
- • You have hearing loss or neurological symptoms
- • No clear cause is identified
Medical Review
Reviewed by: Ricardo Hamilton, MD
Last Updated: November 26, 2025
Sources: American Academy of Neurology, American Heart Association Stroke Guidelines, Mayo Clinic, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke