Sudden feelings of dizziness can be unsettling and disruptive. Here’s what you can do if you experience a random dizzy spell during the day or night.
Chances are you’ve experienced feelings of dizziness at some point in your life. Maybe you got up too quickly from a lying or seated position, or maybe you went too long without water on a hot day.
This article will explore some common reasons you might feel dizzy during the day, what you can do to help the dizziness pass, and when dizziness might indicate the need for medical attention.
Dizziness has many possible causes, and it’s a symptom that appears in a range of acute and chronic health conditions.
Some of the most common causes of dizziness are transient, which means they pass quickly with time or basic treatments. Conditions such as dehydration and low blood sugar can cause transient dizziness that might happen only once.
You may also experience repeated episodes of short-term dizziness due to factors such as:
Additionally, dizziness may appear as a symptom of chronic conditions such as:
The biggest red flag for dizziness is loss of consciousness. If you become so dizzy that you
Dizzy spells that come on suddenly, intensely, or without a history of similar episodes may indicate a serious health condition that requires emergency medical attention, such as:
You may also notice that you have sudden dizziness after starting a new activity or medication. If you’ve recently started exercising vigorously or taking a new medication and you’re experiencing dizziness, talk with a healthcare professional.
Some causes of dizziness, such as a medication reaction, are reversible or quickly treatable. If your dizziness is the result of low blood sugar or dehydration, something as simple as eating or drinking could be the
Chronic conditions that cause dizziness, such as inner ear disorders, vertigo, and Meniere disease, are more difficult to manage and often require ongoing treatment.
If you suddenly feel dizzy, one or more of the following strategies might help you quickly stop that spinning feeling and
- Lie down in a cool, quiet area.
- Sit down and put your head between your knees.
- Sip cold water.
- Make fists, tighten your legs together, or tense other muscle groups.
If these measures don’t work and you feel dizzier, fall, or lose consciousness, you or someone nearby should contact emergency medical services right away. Dizziness can indicate a medical issue that requires immediate attention, such as a stroke or heart attack.
Most people may experience dizziness at some point, and the cause can be as simple as dehydration or hunger. If you experience sudden dizziness, lying down or getting something to drink might help make the feeling pass.
However, if you have repeated episodes of dizziness or if your dizziness is so severe that you pass out, go to the emergency room or make an appointment with a healthcare professional as soon as possible to rule out a serious condition.