Dizziness: causes, types, symptoms and what helps

It can feel very different from one person to another. Depending on the cause, triggers and the body system affected, various types of dizziness are distinguished, which differ significantly in terms of duration, intensity and accompanying symptoms.

• Positional vertigo
  It usually occurs when you turn over in bed, lie down or move your head in other ways. It’s caused by small deposits in the inner ear that irritate the vestibular system, depending on the direction of movement. The dizziness typically lasts only a few seconds but can be very intense.
• Circulatory vertigo
  It's triggered by fluctuations in blood pressure or a temporary reduction in blood flow to the brain and typically involves dizziness when you stand or sit up, often accompanied by light-headedness or a feeling that the world's going black.
• Rotational vertigo
  You feel as though your surroundings are spinning. It’s often caused by a disorder in the inner ear’s vestibular system. Rotatory vertigo frequently occurs in episodes.
• Unsteady dizziness
  You feel unsteady when walking or standing, as if the ground were swaying. It frequently occurs in older people, following infections or due to neurological causes.
• Vertigo associated with migraine
  Also known as vestibular migraine, it can strike with or without a headache and is often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. The type of dizziness can vary.
• Stress-related dizziness
  It's linked to psychological tension, anxiety or feeling overwhelmed and tends to be diffuse, persistent and worse in stressful situations.
• Dizziness caused by temporomandibular joint disorder
  Because of the direct link between the temporomandibular joints and the vestibular system in the inner ear, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (CMD, craniomandibular dysfunction) can trigger various forms of vertigo.
• You may feel light-headed.
  It’s not the classic sensation of spinning or swaying but rather a ‘cotton-wool-in-the-head’ feeling, often triggered by exhaustion, lack of sleep or dehydration.

Accurately identifying the type of vertigo is important so you can take the correct measures. As the various forms differ in their causes and treatment approaches, a clear distinction helps to diagnose vertigo precisely and treat it effectively.

They range from harmless triggers to conditions that need treatment and several factors often act together, which can make classification tricky.

The most common causes of dizziness include:

• Circulatory problems and fluctuations in blood pressure
  An unstable circulation is one of the most common causes of dizziness. Particularly in cases of low blood pressure or when you stand up quickly, temporary dizziness caused by circulatory issues can occur as the brain isn't receiving sufficient blood flow.
• Disorders of the inner ear
  The inner ear houses the vestibular system. Inflammation, circulatory problems or deposits can disrupt signal processing and lead to vertigo or unsteadiness.
• Migraines and neurological causes
  In certain forms of migraine, dizziness is the main symptom. Neurological disorders or disturbances in the brain’s processing of sensory input can also affect balance.
• Medicines as triggers
  Some medicines, such as blood pressure-lowering drugs, sedatives or certain painkillers, can cause dizziness as a side effect — particularly when first taken or when the dose is changed.
• Dehydration and fatigue
  Insufficient fluid intake, lack of sleep or physical exhaustion can strain your circulatory system and trigger dizziness, especially in hot weather or during intense exercise.
• Psychological causes
  Stress, anxiety or persistent inner tension can indirectly affect the vestibular system. This stress-related dizziness often manifests as persistent unsteadiness or light-headedness.

Because dizziness can have many causes, monitor triggers and accompanying symptoms so you can seek the appropriate treatment.

We'll tailor your care to the underlying cause, focusing on treating the trigger rather than simply suppressing the sensation. We often combine several measures for better, faster relief.

• Medical treatment options
  Depending on the cause, medically supervised repositioning manoeuvres, stabilisation of circulation or treatment of inner ear disorders or temporomandibular joint disorders may be necessary.
• Drug therapy
  We'll prescribe medication only when necessary, for example for certain inner ear disorders, migraine or severe dizziness accompanied by nausea, and we don't advise long-term use.
• Home remedies for dizziness
  Drink plenty of fluids, stand up slowly, get some fresh air and take regular exercise to stabilise your circulation and ease mild dizziness. Short rest periods also help during acute bouts of dizziness.
• Physiotherapy and balance training
  Specialised exercises train the vestibular system, improve coordination and can reduce dizziness in the long term — particularly in cases of positional or age-related dizziness.
• Psychotherapeutic approaches for stress-related dizziness
  If stress or anxiety triggers your dizziness, practise relaxation techniques, breathing exercises or consider psychotherapeutic support.
• Neurology and neuro-focused exercises
  Disorders in sensory processing in specific areas of the brain can be improved through highly specific stimulation and exercises. This provides the nervous system with additional information from various sensory organs, which can lead to a greater sense of security and thus a reduction in dizziness.

Should you see a doctor if you're dizzy?
See a doctor if your dizziness appears suddenly, is very severe or happens regularly, worsens over time or is accompanied by other symptoms such as paralysis, speech difficulties or visual disturbances.