Why Do I Feel Dizzy and Like I’m Going to Fall Over?
By Jennifer Footit-Tank RN, BSN, quality care coordinator at Network Health 8/30/2023
Updated 1/30/2025 by Heidi G. BSN, RN, quality care coordinator at Network Health
Have you ever felt lightheaded, dizzy or as though the room appears to spin? These sensations can make you feel like you’re going to fall and may indicate a balance disorder.
When you do feel dizzy or as though you are going to fall over, it’s important to take those feelings seriously. Not only can a fall cause serious injury, but some people may also experience nausea and vomiting from an imbalance issue. These symptoms can occur when you are moving, sitting, standing or lying down. The symptoms may last from a few seconds to several hours, so regardless of how short-lived the symptoms may be, you don’t want to ignore them.
What Causes a Balance Disorder?
Your sense of balance is managed by the brain, which interprets signals from the inner ears, eyes and leg muscles. When you move your body, the inner ear detects gravity and the positioning of your body. Signals are then sent to other body parts to help you maintain balance. When one of these malfunctions, you experience symptoms of imbalance.
Some common causes of a balance disorder include the following.
- The inner ear is infected or swollen. This is often seen after an upper respiratory infection.
- There are changes in fluid levels or dislodged crystals in the inner ear.
- You are taking medications that can affect your blood pressure.
- You have experienced a head injury, neurological disorder or stroke.
When to Call Your Doctor About Balance Problems
You should call your personal doctor any time you lose your balance and experience a fall or a near-fall. Some symptoms that should also prompt you to call your doctor include head or neck pain, difficulty walking, confusion, vision changes, persistent nausea, vomiting and general feelings of dizziness.
There are a few different tests your doctor may use to diagnose a balance disorder.
- Balance test – This involves moving your head and body in an attempt to reproduce the symptoms. The type of dizziness can help determine the possible cause.
- Hearing and ear tests – Since the inner ear helps to control balance, this test looks for problems within the ear that could cause imbalance.
- Imaging – Your doctor may determine that radiology imaging is necessary for better views of the ear or brain.
[Read more: What To Do if You Fall Down]
What Are Treatment Options for Balance Disorders?
The necessary treatment for a balance disorder will depend on its cause. In some cases, a separate medical condition or medication can cause symptoms of imbalance or dizziness, in which case your personal doctor may adjust treatment for a preexisting condition or medication dosage.
Some of the simplest forms of treatment may include staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet, as well as adjusting the way you sit to avoid crossing your legs or standing up too fast from a sitting position. You should look at ways to remain safe from falls, such as not walking outside after dark, modifying your home to prevent falls and wearing sturdy shoes. Other treatment options could include physical therapy or surgery. Your doctor may also refer you to an otolaryngologist, also known as an ENT, which is a type of doctor that specializes in conditions of the ear, nose and throat.
When symptoms from balance disorders cannot be completely relieved, it may cause emotional and psychological hardships. Working with your personal doctor to help manage your symptoms is the first step. You may need to also work with a vestibular therapist who can help develop an individualized treatment plan for your symptoms.
Dizziness is not something you should suffer through in silence. There are many treatment options to help you regain your balance and confidence to keep moving, so contact your personal doctor to discuss a treatment plan that works for you.
