dizziness and lightheadedness
Dizziness and lightheadedness are common symptoms that can stem from cardiovascular, neurological, inner ear, or metabolic changes requiring careful clinical evaluation.
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Do not enter personal or identifying details — no name, Emirates ID, passport number, phone, email, address or date of birth. Describe symptoms only. Results are anonymous, are not linked to a patient record, and this tool is not a diagnosis. Results pages are excluded from search engines. To discuss anything confidential, WhatsApp or call the clinic instead.
Possible causes
- 01
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
commonDisplaced calcium carbonate crystals in the inner ear cause brief, intense spinning sensations triggered by head movements.
- 02
Orthostatic Hypotension
commonA sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing up, leading to temporary reduced blood flow to the brain.
- 03
Dehydration or Electrolyte Imbalance
commonInadequate fluid intake, especially in hot climates like Dubai, reduces blood volume and causes lightheadedness.
- 04
Iron Deficiency Anaemia
possibleLow red blood cell count or haemoglobin levels reduce oxygen delivery to the brain, causing persistent lightheadedness.
Recommended tests
GP consultation
→30–60 minute consultation with a British-trained GP — clinic, home or video.
Why: A GP can perform physical exams like the Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre and orthostatic blood pressure checks.
Full body blood test
→80+ marker screen — CBC, thyroid, liver, kidney, iron, vitamin D, HbA1c, lipids, hormones.
Why: Screens for anaemia, electrolyte imbalances, kidney function, and thyroid issues that cause dizziness.
ECG (electrocardiogram)
→12-lead ECG — palpitations, chest discomfort, pre-exercise clearance.
Why: Helps rule out underlying cardiac arrhythmias or conduction issues causing transient lightheadedness.
When to worry
- Sudden, severe headache or neck stiffness
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations
- Numbness, weakness, or paralysis in your face, arms, or legs
- Difficulty speaking, slurred speech, or confusion
- Fainting (syncope) or loss of consciousness
Related
Book a British-trained GP to review this properly
This is an AI triage. Every real diagnosis, prescription and test at Aafiyah is signed off by a GP. WhatsApp us — reception already has your symptom summary and the suggested tests, so we can book you in with the right prep in place.
This page is educational triage information only. It is not a medical diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a licensed doctor. Aafiyah Care Clinic — Unit G09, Churchill Executive Towers, Business Bay, Dubai. DHA-licensed.
Symptom checker questions
What could cause dizziness and lightheadedness?+
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Displaced calcium carbonate crystals in the inner ear cause brief, intense spinning sensations triggered by head movements. Orthostatic Hypotension: A sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing up, leading to temporary reduced blood flow to the brain. Dehydration or Electrolyte Imbalance: Inadequate fluid intake, especially in hot climates like Dubai, reduces blood volume and causes lightheadedness. Iron Deficiency Anaemia: Low red blood cell count or haemoglobin levels reduce oxygen delivery to the brain, causing persistent lightheadedness.
What tests would help for dizziness and lightheadedness?+
GP consultation — A GP can perform physical exams like the Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre and orthostatic blood pressure checks. Full body blood test — Screens for anaemia, electrolyte imbalances, kidney function, and thyroid issues that cause dizziness. ECG (electrocardiogram) — Helps rule out underlying cardiac arrhythmias or conduction issues causing transient lightheadedness.
When should I worry about dizziness and lightheadedness?+
Sudden, severe headache or neck stiffness Chest pain, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations Numbness, weakness, or paralysis in your face, arms, or legs Difficulty speaking, slurred speech, or confusion Fainting (syncope) or loss of consciousness
Is this AI symptom checker a diagnosis?+
No. It's a triage tool that suggests possible causes and the tests that would help narrow them down. Every real diagnosis and prescription at Aafiyah is made by a British-trained GP after a proper consultation.
Is it safe to describe my symptoms here?+
Yes. Your symptom text is used to fetch triage information and stored anonymously as a shareable page. No personal or medical details (name, ID, contact) are attached.
What if I might be having an emergency?+
If you describe red-flag symptoms — chest pain, stroke signs, severe breathing difficulty, heavy bleeding, anaphylaxis or suicidal thoughts — the result page shows an urgent-care banner. Call 999 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
How accurate is the AI?+
It's trained on public clinical patterns and is useful for common symptom clusters. It is not perfect and it does not replace a doctor — treat it as a well-read friend, not a physician.
Can I book a GP after seeing my result?+
Yes — every result page has a WhatsApp button pre-filled with your symptom summary and the suggested tests, so our reception can book you in with the right prep in place.
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