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Dizziness, Vertigo & Lightheadedness

Medically Reviewed & Fact-CheckedBy MD, Emergency Medicine & Internal Medicine
Reviewed: 9/6/2026

Overview

Dizziness encompasses true vertigo (rotational spinning sensation due to vestibular pathology), presyncope (feeling faint due to cerebral hypoperfusion), dysequilibrium (imbalance), and lightheadedness.

Possible Causes

  • Vestibular Vertigo: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Vestibular Neuritis, Meniere Disease.
  • Cardiovascular Presyncope: Orthostatic hypotension, bradycardia, aortic stenosis, medication side effect.
  • Central: Cerebellar stroke/TIA, acoustic neuroma, migraine vertigo.

When to Seek Care

Call emergency services if vertigo or dizziness is accompanied by slurred speech, facial weakness, numbness, or loss of coordination. Consult ENT or neurology for recurring positional spinning.

The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.