Should I worry about my dizziness?

Unfortunately dizziness is an all too common symptom that many of us will experience at one point or another in our lives. 40% of those over 65 years of age will experience at least one bout of dizziness at some time in a year. Most episodes of dizziness or benign, brief, and mild however other bouts of dizziness can be more significant. Generally, you should see your doctor or other medical professional if you’re experiencing any recurring, sudden, severe, or prolonged bouts of dizziness or room spinning referred to as vertigo.

You should seek emergency care if you’re experiencing dizziness along with sudden/severe headaches, chest pain, difficulty breathing, double vision, confusion, slurred speech, numbness or weakness in the arms or legs, facial weakness, or ongoing vomiting.  If your symptoms are mild and you are continuing to monitor your complaints vigilantly there are some simple self-care tips that you can incorporate to avoid falls or other serious injury. Move slowly. When you rise from lying up to sitting positions or when you transition from sitting up to standing allow for time to ensure that your equilibrium is sound before beginning to move. 

Avoid irregular surfaces such as stairs, sloped grades such as driveways, and even yards as these circumstances can make it challenging to maintain our bearings.  Favor well-lit areas so that you can use visual cues from the environment to maintain your balance. Also consider using some kind of assistive equipment like a cane, crutches, or walker or even simply use handrails where they are available in order to optimize your balance.