Balance program
If you suffer from dizziness, helpful treatments may be available. There are many causes of dizziness. Some are due to strokes, medications and medical conditions.
Dizziness can also be caused by an injury to the inner ear sustained during a fall or accident.
Reviewed 3/9/2023
Dizziness: True or false.
Dizziness is a word that can describe a number of physical symptoms—light-headedness, unsteadiness, and feeling like you're going to faint or that you're spinning. Find out how much you know about the different kinds and causes of dizziness.
True or false: In most cases, dizziness is not a sign of something serious.
True. The causes of dizziness are usually easily treated and may even disappear on their own. Dizziness can be the side effect of a virus, like the flu or an ear infection. Or it can occur after you stand up too quickly from a chair. But there are times when it can signal a bigger problem.
True or false: If you feel like you're spinning or the room is moving around you, you might have a type of dizziness called vertigo.
True. Vertigo can last for a few seconds to several days and can be accompanied by nausea, headache, shortness of breath and a racing heartbeat. Vertigo usually occurs when something affects your vestibular system, the part of the inner ear that controls balance. Viral infections, fluid buildup, head injury and even migraines can throw off the vestibular system.
True or false: Light-headedness, or feeling like you're going to faint, is often caused by too much blood rushing to your head.
False. Light-headedness frequently is a result of your brain not getting enough blood. It can occur because you're ill and dehydrated from vomiting and having diarrhea. Or it can be caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure.
True or false: Dizziness sometimes can be treated with medication—or even by tilting your head at a certain angle.
True. Medications like antihistamines, anti-nausea drugs and sedatives may be used to treat dizziness. For a type of vertigo caused by a buildup of calcium deposits in the inner ear, shifting the position of your head may be the only treatment you need. Tilting the head forces the deposits to move to a different part of the ear.
True or false: Dizziness can be a symptom of stroke.
True. You should get help right away if dizziness is accompanied by symptoms of stroke; if you have a history of stroke; or if you have risk factors for stroke, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or smoking.
Have you experienced episodes of dizziness? If so, call your doctor. A physical exam and some tests likely will find the cause.
Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; National Institutes of Health; UpToDate
Dizziness related to falls and accidents can be completely cured by doing certain maneuvers for a short period of time. Habituation exercises over time can help improve dizziness caused by other medical conditions. Effects of dizziness can often be lessened—and at times—cured.
Balance may be affected by many different medical conditions, including stroke, medications and progressive disease processes. Balance issues may also occur because of aging—relative to posture and changes in muscle strength or weakness.
Poor balance may result in falls—which are a major cause of injuries, including broken bones, concussions, etc. Balance may be improved by strengthening the core muscles of your body and legs. Awareness of your surroundings is important too—using your field of vision to locate potential problems. If needed, be sure to use any assistive devices such as a walker. Using correct walking patterns is a final step toward maintaining good balance and reducing your risk of a fall.