[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/02\/how-to-avoid-dizziness\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/02\/how-to-avoid-dizziness\/","headline":"Common Causes of Dizziness and How to Avoid It","name":"Common Causes of Dizziness and How to Avoid It","description":"Dizziness can strike without warning \u2014 when you’re standing up, walking across a room, or even lying down. It\u2019s unsettling, and in some cases, dangerous. Whether it’s a brief wave of lightheadedness or a spinning sensation, dizziness affects your sense of balance and can increase your risk of falls. Here, we answer people’s most common […]","datePublished":"2014-02-09","dateModified":"2025-07-31","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/neurosurgery-regions","name":"Neurosurgery","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/neurosurgery-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/neurosurgery\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/GettyImages-1502770264-e1753973858625.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/GettyImages-1502770264-e1753973858625.jpg","height":866,"width":2000},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/02\/how-to-avoid-dizziness\/","about":["Neurosurgery and Brain Health"],"wordCount":783,"keywords":["blood pressure","blood sugar","dehydration","dizziness","dizzy","labyrinthitis","light-headed","nausea","vertigo"],"articleBody":"Dizziness can strike without warning \u2014 when you’re standing up, walking across a room, or even lying down. It\u2019s unsettling, and in some cases, dangerous. Whether it’s a brief wave of lightheadedness or a spinning sensation, dizziness affects your sense of balance and can increase your risk of falls.Here, we answer people’s most common questions about dizziness and dig into how to stop feeling dizzy.What Causes Dizziness?Dizziness usually results from a temporary issue in the systems that keep you balanced, primarily your inner ear, brain, eyes, and blood flow. When these systems don\u2019t work together correctly, you may feel lightheaded, off-balance, or as if the room is spinning.Your brain depends on:Steady blood flow \u2014\u00a0To deliver oxygen and nutrients.Inner ear signals (vestibular system) \u2014 To maintain balance.Visual cues \u2014 From your eyes, to stabilize movement.Even minor interruptions to these processes can cause you to feel dizzy.Common causes of dizzinessThe most common reasons you feel dizzy include:Dehydration \u2014 Especially from vomiting, diarrhea, or illness.Low blood pressure \u2014 Particularly when you stand up quickly.Low blood sugar \u2014 Especially for people with diabetes.Certain medications \u2014 Including blood pressure drugs or sedatives.Inner ear infections \u2014 Such as vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis.Migraines \u2014 Which can affect balance and vision.Alcohol and tobacco \u2014 Can cause you to feel lightheaded from time to time.Anxiety and stress can also make you feel dizzy.Dizziness vs. vertigoIt\u2019s essential to know the difference between dizziness and vertigo:Dizziness \u2014 Usually feels like lightheadedness or unsteadiness.Vertigo \u2014 Feels like a spinning or tilting sensation, often triggered by movement.Both dizziness and vertigo are possible symptoms of similar conditions, but vertigo tends to involve the inner ear more directly.What Causes Dizziness When You Stand Up?Dizziness when standing up is one of the most common types of dizziness. It affects many people, especially older adults or those taking certain medications.One possible answer is a sudden drop in blood pressure \u2014 a condition called orthostatic hypotension \u2014 or poor hydration that reduces blood volume.To avoid dizziness when standing up:Change positions slowly \u2014 Sit up in bed before standing.Hold onto a stable surface \u2014 Like a chair arm or handrail.Avoid prolonged standing \u2014 Especially in hot environments.Wear compression socks \u2014 If your doctor recommends them.Drink plenty of fluids \u2014 Stay hydrated to maintain blood volume.How to Stop Feeling Dizzy and Maintain BalanceHow you stop feeling dizzy depends on what’s causing your dizziness. For some people, diet changes, drinking more water, and treating illnesses or allergies can help. You can also try making lifestyle changes or working to improve your balance.Lifestyle changes for dizzinessTry to reduce dizziness by considering these lifestyle changes:Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you and affect your blood pressure.Eat small, frequent meals to prevent blood sugar dips.Sleep well. A lack of sleep can worsen dizziness.Stay hydrated, especially if you\u2019re sick, sweating, or taking diuretics.Exercises to improve balanceSome exercises can support better balance over time:Balance training (like tai chi or yoga).Head movement exercises, such as the Epley maneuver (for benign positional vertigo).Vestibular rehab exercises, especially if you have vertigo.Always check with your doctor before starting exercises, especially if you have a history of dizziness or falls.When to See a Doctor for DizzinessAlthough most dizziness is harmless and short-lived, it’s also a possible sign of a more serious problem. Seek medical care if you experience:Persistent dizziness that lasts longer than a week.Frequent falls or near-falls.Dizziness with trouble hearing or changes in vision.Dizziness with unexplained weight loss.New dizziness after starting a new medication.Call 911 or go to the emergency department right away if you experience:A head injury.A high fever (over 101.0 F)Chest pain.Fainting or losing consciousness for more than a minute.Seizures or slurred speech.These symptoms are possible signs of a stroke, heart issue, or neurological disorder and require immediate medical attention.Final ThoughtsDizziness isn\u2019t a health condition \u2014 it\u2019s a symptom. Whether it\u2019s due to dehydration, low blood pressure, inner ear issues, or something more serious, it\u2019s your body\u2019s way of saying something\u2019s off.Understanding what causes dizziness when you stand up, how to stop feeling dizzy, and when to see a doctor can help you stay balanced \u2014 literally and figuratively.Talk to your health care provider if you feel unsure or if your symptoms return. With the right approach, you can regain your footing and move through life with confidence.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on February 9, 2014, and was last reviewed on July 31, 2025."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2014","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"02","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/\/02\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Common Causes of Dizziness and How to Avoid It","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/02\/how-to-avoid-dizziness\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]