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It's common to sometimes feel dizzy, lightheaded or off-balance, and it's not usually serious. See a GP if you're worried.
Dizziness includes feeling:
Dizziness usually goes away on its own. But there are things you can do to take care of yourself while you're feeling dizzy.
lie down until the dizziness passes, then get up slowly
move slowly and carefully
get plenty of rest
drink plenty of fluids, especially water
avoid coffee, cigarettes, alcohol and drugs
do not bend down suddenly
do not get up suddenly after sitting or lying down
do not do anything that could be dangerous while you're dizzy, like driving, climbing a ladder or using heavy machinery
If you have other symptoms, this might give you an idea of the cause. Do not self-diagnose. See a GP if you're worried.
Dizziness often goes away after you're treated for something else. For example:
| Dizziness symptoms | Possible causes |
|---|---|
|
Dizziness symptoms
When standing or sitting up suddenly |
Possible causes
Sudden drop in blood pressure (postural hypotension) |
|
Dizziness symptoms
Feeling off-balance, losing some hearing, ringing or other sounds in your ears (tinnitus) |
Possible causes
Inner-ear problems |
|
Dizziness symptoms
Feeling off-balance or like things are spinning, feeling or being sick, sometimes after a cold or flu |
Possible causes |
|
Dizziness symptoms
After starting new prescription medicine |
Possible causes
Side effect of medicine |
