Common dizziness

Very low urgency
--

Sensation of altered mental status described as unsteadiness and perception of possible fainting.

It is due to a partial reduction in blood circulation to the brain. Among the most common causes of common dizziness are dehydration, mild infections and medication.

It manifests with the sensation of instability, weakness, loss of balance and blurred vision.

Diagnosis is reached by collecting good clinical history and physical examination.

No specific treatment is required as it is self-limiting in the majority of cases. Proper hydration is advisable, as well as avoiding sudden position changes.

Bibliographic references
  1. William T Branch, Jr, Jason JS Barton. Approach to the patient with dizziness. UpToDate. Oct 20, 2014.
  2. Kerber KA, Baloh RW. The evaluation of a patient with dizziness. Neurol Clin Pract 2011; 1:24.
  3. Herr RD, Zun L, Mathews JJ. A directed approach to the dizzy patient. Ann Emerg Med 1989; 18:664.
  4. Sloane PD. Evaluation and management of dizziness in the older patient. Clin Geriatr Med 1996; 12:785.
  5. Javier Chacón martinez, Jorge Alberto Jiménez Antolín, José Antonio Garrido Robles. Mareos y Vértigos en Urgencias. Capítulo 61. Manual de protocolos y actuación en urgencias. Hospital Virgen de la Salud, Complejo Hospitalario de Toledo. Tercera edición. 2010. 545:552.
  6. Mark F. Walker, Robert B. daroff. Mareo y Vértigo. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19ª Edición. 149:151.
Author
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Dizziness


    Vomiting


    Feeling generally unwell


    Buzzing in the ears


    Excessive sweating

Symptoms to watch out for

Pain in the chest
Palpitations
Loss of sensitivity and/or motility in limbs
Inability to articulate words

Self-care

Avoid sudden changes in posture.
Maintain hydration of 2 litres per day.