Headache and dizziness are common symptoms with many possible causes. The useful first step is to understand the pattern, timing, triggers and accompanying symptoms rather than assuming one diagnosis.
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Headaches, dizziness & lightheadedness
Headache and dizziness are common symptoms with many possible causes. The useful first step is to understand the pattern, timing, triggers and accompanying symptoms rather than assuming one diagnosis.
MMS plain-English explanation
Understand the concern without losing the medical meaning.
A headache or dizzy spell is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Dehydration, medicines, migraine, blood-pressure changes, inner-ear problems, infection and many other conditions can feel similar, so the details around when and how it happens matter.
✓When symptoms started, how long they last and whether the pattern is changing
✓Blood pressure, hydration, medicines and recent illness where relevant
✓Whether dizziness means spinning, faintness, imbalance or another sensation
General medical assessment
The symptom pattern usually determines whether blood pressure, neurological, ear, cardiovascular or other evaluation is needed.
Cardiovascular review
Useful when dizziness is associated with faintness, palpitations, exertion or cardiovascular risk; an ECG is only one part of the assessment.
This information can help you understand possibilities and prepare better questions. It does not confirm a diagnosis or make a treatment suitable for you. A qualified healthcare professional needs to review your personal symptoms, history, examination, tests, medicines and contraindications before making a medical decision.
What usually needs checking first
- ✓When symptoms started, how long they last and whether the pattern is changing
- ✓Blood pressure, hydration, medicines and recent illness where relevant
- ✓Whether dizziness means spinning, faintness, imbalance or another sensation
- ✓Migraine or headache history and common triggers
- ✓Neurological, ear, heart or metabolic assessment when the history points that way
Seek prompt medical attention if
- !A sudden severe or rapidly peaking headache
- !New weakness, facial droop, speech difficulty, confusion, seizure or loss of consciousness
- !Headache after significant head injury
- !Dizziness with chest pain, fainting, severe breathlessness or new neurological symptoms
Topics you may discuss
Not every treatment belongs at the same evidence level.
These links are intended to help you research and prepare questions. They are not a recommendation that you undergo the treatment.
General medical assessment
Assessment firstThe symptom pattern usually determines whether blood pressure, neurological, ear, cardiovascular or other evaluation is needed.
Read more →Cardiovascular review
Assessment firstUseful when dizziness is associated with faintness, palpitations, exertion or cardiovascular risk; an ECG is only one part of the assessment.
Read more →Next step
Turn research into a qualified discussion.
Bring your symptoms, history, medications, test results and questions. MMS can help organise the discussion; a qualified professional decides what assessment or treatment is appropriate.