Dizziness That Keeps Coming Back, What to Track and What to Do
Each week we answer questions from readers about their symptoms. Today, we’ve been contacted by someone experiencing dizziness, or a “swimmy” sensation, as and when they move their head quickly.
A friend once described a similar feeling. For example, they would roll over in bed to grab something from their bedside table, and they’d be hit with a strange sensation in their head.
The University of Utah Health reported that this kind of quickly triggered spinning is common in a condition called BPPV, and it shows up a lot in older adults.
The Mayo Clinic reports that BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo, and it often happens with quick head movement changes, like turning in bed or sitting up.
What happens is that, as we age, tiny crystals in the inner ear can get out of place and send the brain the wrong movement signals.
The Cleveland Clinic also notes that vertigo most commonly shows up when there’s an issue in the inner ear or the nerve tied to balance.
What symptoms matter most?
The key is to track all of your symptoms, not just the spin.
Vertigo can come with nausea, vomiting, balance trouble, ringing in the ears, headaches, a feeling of ear fullness, and rapid side-to-side eye movements. Here are a few patterns people often report:
- Brief spinning that hits with head movement, like rolling over or looking up.
- Nausea or vomiting during the episode.
- Trouble walking straight, or feeling unsteady.
- Hearing changes or ringing in one ear.
These health issues can last seconds or extend over longer periods. They can even come on in waves. Therefore, it’s important to break down your symptoms so that you can clearly describe what’s happening to your doctor.
When to see your doctor
We recommend contacting your doctor if the dizziness repeats. If you’re older, this matters even more because falls are a real risk, and vertigo can knock your confidence quickly.
Additionally, it’s important not to drive while you feel this spinning. Instead, sit down, slow everything down, and focus on being steady.
However, dizziness isn’t always vertigo. If any of the following show up, treat it like an emergency and get help right away:
- New severe headache
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Fainting or seizures
- Confusion or slurred speech
- Weakness or numbness on one side
- Trouble walking
- Double vision
- Sudden hearing change
- Ongoing vomiting.
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