Dizziness & balance: what to track and when to worry

Dizziness is common—and it’s one of the biggest drivers of falls. This page helps you identify the pattern, reduce risk, and know when to seek urgent care.

Section: Common Issues

Safety first If you feel dizzy, avoid ladders, driving, and rushing to the bathroom. Sit down, hydrate, and give yourself a moment. Falls are a bigger threat than most people realize.

Step 1: What kind of dizziness is it?

Lightheaded / “about to faint” (often blood pressure, dehydration, meds)
Spinning / vertigo (often inner ear)
Unsteady / off balance (vision, hearing, neuropathy, strength, meds)

Step 2: Track the triggers

Standing up quickly (especially from bed or a chair)
Turning your head or rolling in bed
After hot showers, dehydration, or missed meals
After a new medication or dose change

Common contributors

Orthostatic hypotension (BP drops when standing)
Medication effects (sedatives, BP meds, some pain meds)
Inner ear issues (benign positional vertigo is common)
Low vision/hearing (balance relies on good input)

Practical move Ask for a medication review if dizziness started after a new drug or dose change. Many “mystery” symptoms are medication-related.

Red flags: get urgent care

New one-sided weakness, face droop, slurred speech
Fainting, severe chest pain, severe shortness of breath
Sudden severe headache, sudden vision loss
Dizziness after a head injury

Questions to ask

“Is this more like vertigo, low blood pressure, or balance impairment?”
“Should we check my blood pressure sitting vs standing?”
“Could any medications contribute?”
“Would vestibular therapy or balance-focused PT help?”

Ask your clinician (starter questions)

“What serious causes are we ruling out?”
“Could any of my medications or supplements contribute?”
“What is the simplest next step or test?”
“What can I safely do at home while we figure this out?”
“What symptoms should make me call you sooner or get urgent care?”

Related guides

This page is educational and not medical advice. If symptoms are severe or sudden, seek urgent care.