Frequent Dizziness and Unsteadiness: When to Seek Medical Attention - Internal Medicine

Share to:

Dizziness and unsteadiness?


Hello, Doctor.
I would like to ask about my condition.
Over the past few weeks, I have been experiencing frequent dizziness.
It started with pain in the back of my head, followed by dizziness and instability when standing.
I often feel like I'm going to fall backward while standing (there have been a few close calls in the bathroom).
Additionally, my throat has been itchy every day, and sometimes I experience sharp pains in my heart (though not frequently).
In the past few days, I've also had episodes of trembling.
Given these symptoms, do you think I need to see a doctor? Thank you for your response!

Pin, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/04/13

Dr. Xie Rongyuan reply Internal Medicine


Hello: If you frequently experience dizziness, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause.
Thank you for your message!

Reply Date: 2023/04/13

More Info


Frequent dizziness and unsteadiness can be concerning symptoms, and it’s important to approach them with caution. Based on your description, you are experiencing a combination of symptoms including dizziness, pain in the back of your head, unsteadiness, a scratchy throat, occasional heart pain, and shaking. These symptoms can arise from various medical conditions, and understanding when to seek medical attention is crucial for your health.

Firstly, dizziness can be caused by a range of factors, including vestibular disorders (inner ear issues), neurological conditions, cardiovascular problems, dehydration, anxiety, or even medication side effects. The sensation of unsteadiness, particularly if you feel like you might fall, is especially concerning and warrants further investigation.
The presence of pain in the back of your head could suggest tension headaches or even migraines, but it could also indicate something more serious, such as increased intracranial pressure or other neurological issues. If the dizziness is accompanied by severe headaches, visual disturbances, or changes in consciousness, it is critical to seek immediate medical attention.

Your mention of a scratchy throat could indicate an upper respiratory infection or allergies, which may not be directly related to your dizziness but could contribute to a general feeling of malaise. If you are experiencing persistent throat discomfort, it might be worth consulting a healthcare provider to rule out infections or other conditions.

The occasional heart pain you describe is another symptom that should not be overlooked. While it may be related to anxiety or muscle strain, it could also indicate cardiovascular issues, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea. Given your history of heart-related issues, it is advisable to discuss these symptoms with a healthcare professional.

Shaking or tremors can be associated with anxiety, low blood sugar, or neurological conditions. If these episodes are frequent or severe, they should be evaluated by a medical professional.

In summary, based on the symptoms you have described, it is advisable to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination, blood tests, imaging studies, and possibly referrals to specialists such as a neurologist or cardiologist. Early intervention can help identify any underlying conditions and prevent potential complications.

When you visit the doctor, be prepared to provide a detailed account of your symptoms, including when they started, their frequency, and any other relevant medical history. This information will assist the healthcare provider in making an accurate diagnosis and developing an appropriate treatment plan.

In conclusion, while some of your symptoms may be benign, the combination of dizziness, unsteadiness, head pain, heart discomfort, and shaking suggests that a medical evaluation is warranted. Do not hesitate to seek help, as timely intervention can significantly improve your health outcomes and quality of life.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Dizziness and Headaches: When to Seek Medical Attention

Experiencing occasional dizziness, unsteadiness while walking, chest pain, or headaches could indicate various underlying health issues. It is advisable to seek medical evaluation at a hospital to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.


Dr. Lan Shengxing reply Neurology
Dear Wen, experiencing dizziness and unsteadiness can be very dangerous, especially if you are riding a bike or walking. Please take the time to visit a hospital for an examination.

[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Headaches: When to Seek Medical Attention


Understanding Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Attention for Neurological Issues

Hello Doctor: The following conditions cause me to feel dizzy: 1. Focusing on dynamic images (such as movies and computer animations) 2. Focusing on moving objects (such as walking people or cars), which creates relative motion of the background scenery 3. Focusing on nearby obje...


Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology
If dizziness occurs frequently, please consult an ophthalmologist or neurologist to check for the presence of nystagmus.

[Read More] Understanding Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Attention for Neurological Issues


Understanding Unexplained Dizziness: Symptoms and When to Seek Help

Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing occasional dizziness, sometimes accompanied by nausea or pain in the temples. I would like to know what these symptoms might indicate and what type of specialist I should see if I need to seek medical attention. Thank you!


Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, based on your description, it seems that the dizziness may be caused by irregular sleep patterns or stress factors. If you maintain a regular schedule, engage in moderate exercise, and manage stress, it should improve. If you need further evaluation, you can schedule an ap...

[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Dizziness: Symptoms and When to Seek Help


Unsteady on Feet: When to Seek Medical Advice for Neurological Issues

I'm asking for my mother, and I'm not very clear about the situation, nor does she want to see a doctor. In recent years, I've noticed that my mother occasionally has difficulty standing (I'm not sure if it's dizziness, just for a few seconds), which happ...


Dr. Hong Weibin reply Neurology
Hello: There are many causes of dizziness, and the main systems affecting the body's balance are the vestibular system and semicircular canals in the inner ear, as well as the brainstem and cerebellum. However, other issues such as cardiopulmonary problems, liver and kidney ...

[Read More] Unsteady on Feet: When to Seek Medical Advice for Neurological Issues


Related FAQ

Dizziness

(Internal Medicine)

Dizziness

(Otolaryngology)

Lightheadedness

(Cardiology)

Tachycardia

(Internal Medicine)

Dizziness

(Traditional Chinese Medicine)

Vertigo

(Neurology)

Head Injury

(Internal Medicine)

Vasospasm

(Internal Medicine)

Inner Ear Imbalance

(Otolaryngology)

Health Checkup

(Internal Medicine)