A GENERAL SENSATION OF UNSTEADINESS
Dizziness
A general sensation of light-headedness, unsteadiness or imbalance, with many possible causes including blood pressure, ear, brain, blood and metabolic conditions. Careful evaluation guides targeted care.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Dizziness
Dizziness is a broad term used to describe a range of sensations including light-headedness, feeling faint, unsteadiness, imbalance or a sensation that one might fall. It is different from true vertigo, which involves a specific spinning or movement sensation. Causes of dizziness are diverse and include low blood pressure, drops in blood pressure on standing (orthostatic hypotension), heart rhythm abnormalities, anaemia, dehydration, low blood sugar, anxiety, panic disorders, medication side effects, inner ear conditions, neurological conditions and, less commonly, more serious causes such as stroke or heart conditions. Associated features such as palpitations, chest pain, breathlessness, headache, weakness, sweating, fainting or neurological symptoms help guide the diagnosis. Careful clinical evaluation along with blood pressure measurement, ECG, blood tests and other targeted investigations identifies the underlying cause. Treatment is cause-specific. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides systematic evaluation of dizziness at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Low blood pressure or drops on standing
- Heart rhythm abnormalities
- Anaemia and low haemoglobin
- Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances
- Low blood sugar (especially in diabetics)
- Anxiety and panic disorders
- Medications, particularly blood pressure medication, sedatives or others
- Inner ear or neurological conditions
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Blood pressure measurements, ECG, blood tests and targeted investigations
Mild · Moderate · Severe with fainting or falls
Cause-specific therapy
Fainting, chest pain, palpitations, neurological signs or sudden severe symptoms
Hydration, slow position changes and good management of underlying conditions
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Systematic Workup with Cause-Specific Therapy
The most effective approach is a systematic workup including blood pressure measurements, ECG, blood tests and targeted investigations to identify the underlying cause, followed by cause-specific therapy. Severe or alarming features warrant urgent emergency evaluation.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika reviews the type and pattern of dizziness, takes a detailed history, examines the patient and arranges relevant tests.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A personalised plan is created based on the identified or likely cause, with specialist referral when needed.
- 3
Medical Management
Cause-specific therapy — hydration, medication review, treatment of heart, blood, neurological or psychological causes.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Regular review to assess response, adjust therapy and arrange further evaluation for persistent or unexplained symptoms.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Cause-Specific Therapy
Treatment is directed at the underlying cause — addressing low blood pressure, heart rhythm issues, anaemia, blood sugar problems, anxiety or medication side effects.
Medication Review
Reviewing and adjusting medications that may be causing or worsening dizziness — particularly blood pressure medication, sedatives and certain other drugs.
Hydration and Lifestyle Advice
Adequate hydration, salt intake where appropriate, slow position changes and avoidance of prolonged standing reduce dizziness in many cases.
Treatment of Underlying Conditions
Optimising management of diabetes, heart disease, anaemia and other contributing conditions significantly improves symptoms.
Specialist Referral for Specific Causes (Referral for cardiology / neurology / ENT)
Patients with suspected cardiac, neurological or inner ear causes are referred to the appropriate specialist for further evaluation.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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