Fall Because of Dizziness, Weakness, or Loss of Balance
The symptoms that led to your fall have been evaluated. Your health care provider feels it's safe for you to return home.
Many things can cause you to become dizzy. Everyone means a little something different by the word dizzy. People may describe their symptoms using these words:
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It doesn’t feel right in my head
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It feels like spinning in my head
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It seems like the room is spinning
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My balance feels off
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I feel lightheaded, like I am going to pass out
All these descriptions can have real causes.
The main system that helps you keep your balance is in your inner ear. Anything that affects this system, such as a cold or injury, can cause you to feel dizzy. Sudden drops in blood pressure can also make you feel lightheaded or like you are going to faint. This is because there may not be enough blood flowing to the brain at that time. Possible causes include:
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Medicines.
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Dehydration.
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Standing up or bending over too quickly.
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Becoming overheated.
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Taking a hot shower or bath.
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Straining hard while lifting something or using the toilet.
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Strokes, heart attack, heart valve disease, or a very slow or very fast heart rate.
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Low blood sugar.
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An ear infection.
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Hyperventilation.
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Anemia (low red blood cell levels).
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Injury.
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Infection.
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A panic attack.
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Pregnancy.
You may be at risk of repeat falls. Do what you can to prevent another fall.
Home care
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If you become lightheaded or dizzy, lie down right away or sit and lean forward with your head down. It's better to do this than fall and seriously hurt or injure yourself.
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Rest today. When changing position, take a moment to be sure any dizziness goes away before standing and walking.
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If you have been prescribed a walker, be sure to use it whenever you walk, even if it's a short distance.
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If you were injured during the fall, follow the advice from your health care provider regarding care of your injury.
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Tell your provider about all the medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you take. Some medicines can cause dizziness.
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Cut back on alcohol use.
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Don't drive until your provider says it's okay. You don't want to have a dizzy spell when you' re driving.
Follow-up care
Unless you're given other advice, call your primary health care provider on the next office day to advise of your fall and to schedule a follow-up appointment. You may need further treatment for the underlying condition that caused the fall.
If an X-ray or a CT scan was done, you'll be told of the results, especially if it affects treatment.
Call 911
Call 911 if any of these occur:
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Trouble breathing
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Confused or trouble arousing
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Fainting or loss of consciousness
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Rapid or very slow heart rate
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Seizure
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Trouble with speech or vision, weakness of an arm or leg
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Trouble walking or talking, loss of balance
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Numbness or weakness in 1 side of your body, facial droop
When to get medical advice
Contact your health care provider right away if you have:
Online Medical Reviewer:
Heather M Trevino BSN RNC
Online Medical Reviewer:
Marianne Fraser MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Sravani Chintapalli
Date Last Reviewed:
1/1/2025
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