
When Should I See the Doctor About My Dizziness?

Dizziness can throw you off balance and make you feel disoriented. If you frequently feel dizzy and unsteady on your feet, it’s always a good idea to check in with a doctor to find out why, because some causes of dizziness can be serious or even life-threatening.
At Integrated Neurology Services, we offer comprehensive diagnostic testing to identify the source of dizziness. Our board-certified neurologists also offer personalized medical care for neurological causes of dizziness, such as Parkinson’s disease and stroke.
We also collaborate with you on a preventive care plan to reduce the frequency and severity of dizziness, whether it comes from lifestyle, diet, or underlying medical conditions.
An overview of dizziness and its causes
Dizziness, a sensation that makes you feel like the room is spinning when you’re standing still, occurs when your brain doesn’t get enough blood. A lack of blood flow can also cause feelings of lightheadedness or vision disturbances.
In some cases, temporary dizziness can develop if you’re dehydrated, feeling anxious or stressed, or overexerting yourself.
Underlying health issues that may require medical attention could also be a source of dizziness. Some of the more serious causes of dizziness include:
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Vertigo
- Migraines
- Heart disease
- Inner ear infection
- Neurological disorders
- Use of certain medications
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels)
You can also experience frequent dizziness if you have benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a condition that causes temporary dizziness when you quickly change positions. For instance, you might have a dizzy spell if you stand up too quickly from a seated position.
When to seek medical care for dizziness
If you have persistent dizziness for the first time and aren’t sure what’s causing it, schedule a diagnostic evaluation with our Integrated Neurology Services team.
We also recommend scheduling a consultation if you suffer a head injury; have sudden, severe dizziness; or if your dizzy spell accompanies issues like:
- High fever
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Vision or speech changes
- Irregular heart rate
If you experience fainting, seizures, or a loss of consciousness, seek emergency medical care at the nearest hospital or call 911.
Our neurology team offers in-office diagnostics to assess your overall health and determine if your dizziness relates to a stroke, cardiac event, or another condition that requires emergency treatment.
Treatment options for dizziness
Your treatment plan for dizziness depends on its cause. Our skilled physicians review your medical history, current health, and lifestyle to create a care plan to ease dizziness and related symptoms.
Often, you can ease or even prevent dizziness with the following strategies:
- Rest
- Proper hydration
- 7-8 hours of sleep each night
- Breathwork and other relaxation techniques
- Slower movements when changing positions
Your provider might also recommend avoiding triggers like alcohol and a high-salt diet to prevent additional episodes of dizziness.
For temporary dizziness that comes from an ear infection, migraine, or other medical condition, you might need to take medications. Our providers follow your progress with treatment to ensure you remain symptom-free and healthy.
Call Integrated Neurology Services in Lorton, Alexandria, or Falls Church, Virginia, today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for dizziness. You can also request an appointment online.
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