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Dizziness and light-headedness: common causes

Most dizziness is brief and harmless. A few causes are worth checking, and some symptoms alongside it need emergency care.

Common causes

  • 01Not drinking enough or skipping meals
  • 02Standing up quickly (a drop in blood pressure)
  • 03Anaemia
  • 04Inner-ear problems
  • 05Side effects of medicines

What a doctor may check

Blood pressure (lying down and standing), haemoglobin and blood sugar.

When to see a doctor

Call emergency services if dizziness comes with slurred speech, face drooping, weakness, chest pain or fainting.

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Venva's content is written against clinical guidelines and systematic reviews, listed below. See our medical disclaimer.

References

  1. 1.Iron-deficiency anemia. New England Journal of Medicine, 2015.doi:10.1056/NEJMra1401038

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