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Dizziness: Causes & When to See a Doctor

الدوخة

Quick summary

Dizziness is a sense of imbalance or that the surroundings are spinning (vertigo). Its causes are common and varied, such as a drop in blood pressure on standing, dehydration, or inner-ear problems. Most cases are minor and transient, but sudden dizziness with neurological symptoms needs urgent evaluation.

Last updated: 10 September 2026
Medical disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified physician. A single symptom can have many causes — do not use this information for self-diagnosis or self-treatment.

What is Dizziness?

Dizziness may mean lightheadedness, feeling faint or losing balance; vertigo describes a spinning sensation. Describing the feeling and when it occurs helps assessment. Dehydration, a blood-pressure drop on standing, inner-ear problems and some medicines can contribute.

Seek medical advice if it persists or recurs, or accompanies changes in hearing, vision or pulse. Do not stop prescribed medicine without advice.

Possible causes

  • Low blood pressure when standing up suddenly.
  • Dehydration, skipped meals, or low blood sugar.
  • Inner ear problems and balance disorders.
  • Fatigue, lack of sleep, and anxiety.
  • Certain medications as a side effect.

These are common general causes; determining the exact cause requires medical evaluation.

Self-care

Lie down until dizziness passes, then rise slowly. Avoid driving, climbing ladders and other hazardous activities while dizzy.

When to see a doctor

Consult your doctor if:

  • Dizziness recurs or persists without an obvious cause.
  • It affects your balance or is accompanied by ringing in the ears or hearing loss.

Seek emergency care immediately if you experience sudden dizziness with difficulty speaking or seeing, weakness or numbness in the face or limbs, severe chest pain, or fainting.

This content is for general educational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a specialist doctor, and should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment.

FAQs about Dizziness

ما الفرق بين الدوخة والدوار؟
الدوخة شعور عام بعدم الثبات أو قرب الإغماء، بينما الدوار شعور محدّد بأنّ المكان أو الرأس يدور. كلاهما يستحق التقييم إذا تكرّر أو رافقته أعراض أخرى.
لماذا أشعر بالدوخة عند الوقوف بسرعة؟
قد يكون ذلك بسبب انخفاض مؤقّت في ضغط الدم عند تغيير الوضعية. النهوض ببطء قد يساعد، لكن تكرار العرض يستدعي استشارة الطبيب.
هل الجفاف يسبّب الدوخة؟
نعم، قلّة السوائل من الأسباب الشائعة للدوخة. الحفاظ على الترطيب نصيحة عامة مفيدة، خاصة في الأجواء الحارّة.
متى تكون الدوخة علامة خطيرة؟
الدوخة المفاجئة المصحوبة بصعوبة كلام أو رؤية، أو ضعف وخدر، أو ألم صدر أو إغماء، تستدعي رعاية طبية فورية.

Related Q&A

Scientific references

  1. مرجع المقدمة والعناية الذاتية / Overview and self-care — NHS