When Is Dizziness a Cause for Concern?

Whether it’s a slight wobble or a full-blown spinning sensation, dizziness is unsettling!

While occasional dizziness is normal—like when you stand too quickly—persistent or frequent episodes could be a sign of something more serious. So, when should you be concerned?

It’s important not to try to self-diagnose, as many conditions can trigger dizziness. Board-certified neurologist Risa Ravitz, MD, and her team at Modern Migraine MD have the experience to help uncover the root cause of your dizziness. 

At our offices in New York, Florida, and New Jersey, and seeing patients using HIPPA-certified telehealth services across 13 states, we provide patient-centered care and help for dizziness.

Take a moment to explore some common causes of dizziness and when it’s time to seek medical attention.

Why do I feel so dizzy?

Dizziness is a broad term that covers a range of sensations, from feeling faint to experiencing vertigo. Often, it can occur from dehydration, a sudden change in position, or standing for long periods in heat. 

However, when dizziness is frequent or persistent, it could signal an underlying issue. Some common causes include:

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

Small crystals in your inner ear can become displaced, leading to brief, intense episodes of vertigo, especially with head movements.

Vestibular neuritis

Inflammation of the vestibular nerve in your ear can lead to sudden, prolonged dizziness, often lasting days before improving on its own.

Migraine-associated vertigo

Dizziness can accompany migraines, especially if you get vestibular migraines, which create balance disturbances even without the classic migraine headache.

Neurological conditions

Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, or Parkinson’s can lead to dizziness because of nervous system dysfunction.

Circulatory issues

Low blood pressure or heart conditions can cause dizziness from poor blood flow to your brain.

Infections or trauma

Viral infections or head injuries may trigger dizziness and balance issues.

Should I worry about my dizzy spells?

If dizziness comes on suddenly or persists over time, it’s important to seek medical care to rule out more serious causes. 

At Modern Migraine MD, we understand that dizziness may be a sign of something more significant, such as:

• Stroke or heart disease
• Inner ear disorders, such as Ménière’s disease
• Vestibular migraine
• Brain or spinal cord injuries
• Low blood sugar or dehydration

Bottom line? Don’t wait for your symptoms to worsen. 

If you’re experiencing dizziness that lasts for long periods, is associated with other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or hearing loss, or interferes with daily activities, consult a specialist, like the Modern Migraine MD team. 

How do you diagnose the underlying cause of my dizziness?

As a board-certified neurologist, Dr. Ravitz takes a comprehensive approach to diagnosing dizziness. 

Our team starts by discussing your medical history and symptoms, including when your dizziness occurs and how long it lasts. Next, we perform a physical exam, which may include testing your balance, coordination, and reflexes.

In some cases, we use advanced imaging techniques like MRI or CT scans to get a clearer picture of what’s going on in the brain or inner ear. 

Blood work and audiograms may also be part of the diagnostic process to pinpoint any underlying conditions affecting your balance.

How is dizziness treated?

Once we identify the root cause of your dizziness, our specialists create a personalized treatment plan. Treatment may include one or more therapeutic approaches. 

Some patients benefit from vestibular rehabilitation, a physical therapy program that helps strengthen your vestibular system by retraining the brain to better manage dizziness and vertigo.

We may also recommend canalith repositioning maneuvers, which are guided head and body movements designed to reposition displaced calcium crystals in your inner ear. This can be useful in resolving BPPV.

In some cases, medications like antihistamines or migraine treatments may be prescribed to reduce dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. 

In rare instances, Dr. Ravitz may recommend surgery, especially if your dizziness is related to a tumor or another structural issue.

When should I see a specialist?

If you’re experiencing frequent or prolonged dizziness, don’t wait to see a specialist. It’s important to get help from a medical provider who specializes in diagnosing and treating balance disorders. 

At Modern Migraine MD, we provide both in-person and virtual consultations to help you find relief no matter where you’re located. Whether your dizziness is caused by an inner ear disorder, neurological issue, or another condition, our experienced team can help.

Don’t let dizziness control your life—schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with one of our board-certified providers at Modern Migraine MD today.