Lightheadedness
Key facts
- Lightheadedness is when you feel dizzy and like you might faint.
- If you think you might fall, sit or lie down to avoid being injured.
- There are many causes of lightheadedness, and treatment depends on the cause.
- If your symptoms are worrying or do not go away, visit your doctor.
What is lightheadedness?
Lightheadedness is when you feel like you might faint or pass out. Some people call it 'feeling woozy'.
Lightheadedness is related to dizziness. Dizziness is when you feel unsteady or are having trouble keeping your balance.
Dizziness and lightheadedness can be upsetting and worrying. But these symptoms have many causes and don't always mean that you have a serious medical problem.
What symptoms are related to lightheadedness?
When you are feeling lightheaded, you might also have symptoms of:
These symptoms may last for a few seconds up to a few minutes.
Your symptoms may come on suddenly or be related to a sudden change in position or another event. For example, feeling lightheaded when you stand up.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
What causes lightheadedness?
Lightheadedness can have a range of different causes. You may feel lightheaded if you have:
- a drop in blood pressure when you stand up quickly
- low blood sugar
- side effects from some medicines
- anxiety or panic disorder
- emotional stress
- dehydration (not having enough fluids in your body) or heat stress
- been standing up for a long time, especially in hot weather
Lightheadedness can also be a symptom of conditions such as:
- heart arrhythmias
- low iron levels in your body, or anaemia
- a heart attack
- other heart problems, such as aortic stenosis
- problems with the nerves that control your blood pressure
- blood loss
- a severe infection or sepsis
You may feel lightheaded if you have vertigo, a sense that the room is spinning. Problems in your inner ear might cause vertigo.
How is the cause of lightheadedness diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms. They will want to know if anything seems to trigger your symptoms. They will also ask what medicines you are taking and about your family history.
Your doctor will examine you, including checking your blood pressure and heart rate.
They may recommend tests, such as:
- blood tests
- an electrocardiogram (ECG)
- scans — this will depend on your symptoms and physical examination
When should I see my doctor?
See a doctor if your lightheadedness doesn't go away or if you continue to feel unwell.
You should also see a doctor if your lightheadness causes you to fall and injure yourself.
Seek urgent care if you feel lightheaded or faint while sitting or lying down, or if you faint more than once.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
When to seek urgent care
Visit the emergency department, or call triple zero (000) for an ambulance if you are lightheaded and:
- have pain or pressure in your chest, arms, jaw or back
- have heart palpitations
- feel sick, cold and sweaty
- have trouble talking or are confused
- can't breathe properly
- are numb or weak on one side, have blurred vision or a headache
- have an injury or are bleeding
How is lightheadedness treated?
The treatment will depend on the cause of your symptoms.
Self-care at home and first aid
If you feel lightheaded, try these measures:
- sit or lie down — you may also find it helpful to raise your legs
- stay lying down for about 10 minutes, or until you feel better
- drink some water
- get some fresh air
- eat or drink something sweet
Don't drive a car or operate heavy machinery if you are feeling lightheaded.
Medicine changes
Sometimes, medicines can cause lightheadedness.
Your doctor can look at the medicines you take to see if they need to be changed. Or you could ask your pharmacist for a medication review.
Do not change or stop your medicines without checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
What are the complications of lightheadedness?
If you feel lightheaded, there is a risk you may:
- faint
- fall
- injure yourself
Can lightheadedness be prevented?
Some things that may help stop you feeling lightheaded are:
- drinking enough water throughout the day
- having regular meals
- getting enough rest
- changing positions or getting up slowly
- avoiding getting too hot
- avoiding other triggers
See your doctor if you often feel lightheaded — there may be a serious underlying cause.
Resources and support
Safer Care Victoria has a factsheet on fainting and collapse.
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: October 2024
