Overview
Can be linked to blood pressure, ear issues, or medication
What to notice
- Whether you feel lightheaded, unsteady or as though the room is spinning
- Whether it happens after standing up, moving your head or skipping meals
- How long each episode lasts and how often it happens
- Whether you actually faint or nearly faint
- Whether it comes with headache, palpitations, shortness of breath or weakness
Common cause groups
Temporary triggers
Dehydration, heat, lack of food, tiredness or standing up quickly can sometimes cause brief dizziness.
Inner-ear causes
A spinning sensation, especially with certain head movements, may be related to the balance system of the inner ear. This type of dizziness is often described as vertigo.
Blood pressure or circulation changes
Blood pressure that drops with position changes, or other circulation-related issues, can sometimes cause lightheadedness or a feeling of faintness.
Blood, glucose or hormone-related causes
Anaemia, changes in blood glucose and thyroid conditions can sometimes contribute to dizziness, particularly when other symptoms are present.
Associated signs
Headache
Nausea
Palpitations
Shortness of breath
Weakness
Blurred vision
Fainting or near-fainting
Hearing changes or ringing in the ears
How it may be assessed
A doctor will usually ask what the dizziness feels like, when it happens, how long it lasts and what triggers it. Blood pressure and other basic observations may be checked first. Depending on the pattern and associated symptoms, selected blood tests or other assessments may then be considered.
Assessment and investigations
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure measurement, including changes with position when appropriate, can help assess dizziness related to low or changing blood pressure.
Full Blood Examination
A blood count may help identify anaemia or other blood changes when symptoms such as tiredness, breathlessness or palpitations are also present.
Blood Glucose
Glucose testing may be considered when dizziness occurs with symptoms or risk factors that suggest blood sugar changes could be relevant.
Thyroid Function
Thyroid tests may be useful when dizziness occurs together with symptoms such as palpitations, tremor, heat intolerance or unexplained weight changes.
When to get checked
Consider medical assessment if dizziness keeps returning, lasts longer than expected, affects walking or daily activities, leads to near-fainting, or occurs together with symptoms such as palpitations, breathlessness or persistent headache.
Urgent warning signs
Seek urgent medical care for sudden dizziness with new weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, severe headache, fainting, chest pain, severe shortness of breath or difficulty walking normally.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between dizziness and vertigo?
Dizziness is a broad term that can include lightheadedness, imbalance or feeling faint. Vertigo more specifically describes a false sensation of movement or spinning.
Why do I feel dizzy when I stand up?
Standing can sometimes cause a temporary drop in blood pressure, especially with dehydration, heat or certain medicines. Recurrent or severe episodes should be assessed.
Can anaemia or low blood sugar cause dizziness?
Both anaemia and changes in blood glucose can contribute to dizziness in some people, but dizziness has many possible causes and symptoms alone cannot identify which one is responsible.
Screening context
Related Screening Guides
Comprehensive Health Screening
Comprehensive health screening builds on the basics with extra checks chosen for your age, risk and history, rather than every test available.
Learn MoreGeneral Health Screening
General health screening covers a few simple, well-proven checks, like blood pressure and blood sugar, that can pick up common silent conditions early.
Learn MoreWomen’s Health Screening
Women's health screening changes as you move through life. Learn which checks guidelines recommend, when to start, and which tests are not advised.
Learn MoreSenior Health Screening
Senior screening helps you stay active and independent. It checks everyday abilities as well as common conditions, tailored to your health and wishes.
Learn More