Dizziness and vertigo

Overview

Dizziness can mean feeling faint, unsteady or as though you or the surroundings are spinning. The spinning sensation is called vertigo. These experiences can have different causes, so describing the feeling is more useful than choosing a label in advance.

Think about how an episode begins, what you were doing and whether it happens with a particular movement. Mention a change in hearing, headache or another symptom, even if it seems unrelated. New neurological symptoms need immediate attention rather than a routine balance discussion.

By telephone

If symptoms are stable and there are no emergency features, a call may help review the pattern and decide which assessment is appropriate. The doctor can ask about recent illness, medicines, hydration, previous episodes and the effect on walking or daily tasks.

Explain the practical consequences: needing support to move safely, avoiding stairs or feeling unable to work. If you have fallen or lost consciousness, say so early. This helps distinguish a discussion of recurring vertigo from a situation needing more immediate investigation.

What cannot be done remotely

A phone call cannot examine balance, eye movements, the ears or the nervous system. Positional tests and some treatments require an appropriately trained clinician. Do not try unfamiliar manoeuvres simply because an online description resembles your symptoms.

Avoid driving, climbing or operating machinery while dizzy. If a diagnosis is made, ask whether it affects driving and what advice applies to you. A previous ear problem should not be used to explain away a different or more severe episode.

What to prepare

• Describe spinning, faintness and imbalance separately where possible.
• Record triggers, duration and whether you are completely well between episodes.
• Mention hearing changes, headache, falls or loss of consciousness.
• List medicines and any recent changes or illnesses.

Sources

• NHS: dizziness
• NHS: vertigo
• NHS: stroke symptoms