Do you have periods where you feel faint? Do you ever have a sensation of lightheadedness or like you're moving when you're not? Maybe the world feels like it’s spinning so much that you lose your balance?
Some people might just think, “I feel dizzy,” when they become faint or lightheaded. Others may experience vertigo, which is when it feels as if your surroundings are moving when they are not. Lightheadedness and vertigo are both types of dizziness, but it’s important to understand which type you're experiencing so that you can effectively address it.
Lightheadedness is caused by a momentary drop in blood pressure and blood flow to your head. This can be due to:
- Heart disease or irregular heartbeat
- Medications, especially blood pressure medications
- Inner ear problems
- Allergies
- Illnesses like the common cold or flu
- Dehydration from not drinking enough fluids
- Decreased blood sugar from not eating
- Deep or rapid breathing related to stress or nervousness
- Alcohol, tobacco, or substance misuse
- Bleeding, including internal bleeding
Vertigo happens when your body’s balance signals don’t match up. Your body uses your vision, nerves in your joints, skin pressure, and parts of your inner ear to keep your sense of balance. Several things can cause vertigo:
- Inner ear disorders
- Ear or head injury
- Migraine headaches
- Reduced blood flow to the brain
- Effects of alcohol, drugs, or medications
- Tumors in the ear or head area
Some Veterans experience sudden dizziness related to stressful situations in their military or civilian lives. Using alcohol or drugs can cause or worsen symptoms of dizziness. Traumatic brain injury from combat, training exercises, or an accident during military service can also be a cause of dizziness in Veterans. Dizziness can also be brought on by severe headaches due to certain types of foods, noises, or smells.
“Every time I sat in a waiting room for more than a few minutes I would start to feel dizzy. I always thought it was just me. I never knew it could be related to my service so many years ago.”
Feeling dizzy can make it difficult or even dangerous to operate machinery or drive a car. Some people also have nausea along with dizziness. Feeling dizzy can make it hard to engage in normal activities or to interact with people.
Whether your dizziness is lightheadedness or vertigo, you can:
- Lie down for a few minutes with head slightly elevated on a pillow
- Whenever getting up from lying down, sit up slowly and remain sitting for one to two minutes before standing
- Move slowly to reduce the risk of falling
Making some changes in your lifestyle can help you overcome dizziness. Some steps you can take at home to reduce or avoid dizziness include:
- Drink more fluids, especially water. Dehydration can cause dizziness or make it worse.
- Try to get enough rest. Avoiding fatigue can help with dizziness.
- Avoid using substances like alcohol or drugs.
- Get up slowly when you are sitting or lying down.
- Sit on the edge of the bed in the morning before standing up.
If your symptoms do not improve with the above interventions, or if they become more severe or more frequent or persist to the point of vomiting, severe dehydration, or fainting, you should see a doctor. If you suddenly lose function in part of your body along with vertigo (e.g., arm weakness, face drooping, difficulty speaking), this can indicate a serious problem, such as a stroke. You should call 911 and seek medical help immediately.
Every day, Veterans from all military service branches and eras connect with proven resources and effective treatments. Here’s how to take the next step: the one that’s right for you.
New to VA? Apply for health care benefits.
- Getting started is simple. Create a free account online to help ease your enrollment process. To prepare to apply for VA health care in person, by telephone, or by mail, explore VA’s “How to Apply” page.
- Not sure whether you are eligible for VA health care benefits? Read about eligibility for VA health care.
- Unsure of what kind of help you need? Call 1-877-222-VETS (1-877-222-8387) to find the right resources to meet your needs, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. If you have hearing loss, call TTY: 1-800-877-8339.
- Veterans’ family members and caregivers can see whether they qualify for VA medical benefits as a spouse, surviving spouse, dependent child, or caregiver. Explore family and caregiver health benefits.
Already enrolled in VA and interested in mental health support? Schedule a mental health appointment.
- If you’re already enrolled and using VA health care, the fastest way to schedule VA appointments is to call the VA facility where you want to receive care.
- With VA Appointments tools, you can schedule some VA health care appointments online, view details about upcoming appointments, and organize your health care calendar.
- If you’re not using VA medical services, contact your nearest VA medical center or Vet Center to talk about your needs.
What about other options at VA? VA offers a variety of tools and resources.
- The Veteran Training online self-help portal for overcoming everyday challenges includes modules on managing anger, developing parenting and problem-solving skills, and more.
- Mental health apps for Veterans cover a variety of topics, ranging from PTSD to anger management to quitting smoking.
- VA TeleMental Health connects you with a VA mental health provider through a computer or mobile device in your home or at your nearest VA health facility. You can learn more about this option from your local VA medical center.
- Community-based Vet Centers provide confidential counseling, community engagement and referral services to eligible individuals and their families. You don’t need to be enrolled in VA healthcare or have a service connection to receive services. Find a Vet Center near you or call 1-877-927-8387, 24/7 to talk with a fellow Veteran about your experiences.
What about support outside of VA?
FindTreatment.gov and the National Resource Directory list programs outside of VA. Use these tools to find resources near you.
Learn more about what you can do if you are experiencing specific concerns related to dizziness, such as headaches, effects of traumatic brain injury, and stress and anxiety.
