Dizziness and Unsteadiness

Feeling dizzy, lightheaded or unsteady can be unsettling—particularly if it affects your confidence, balance, or day-to-day independence. In older adults, dizziness is often caused by more than one factor, so a careful, whole-person assessment is usually the fastest way to identify what is contributing and what can be improved.

At the Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, our consultant-led assessment focuses on identifying the underlying cause(s) and creating a clear plan to reduce symptoms, improve balance and lower the risk of falls.

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Common Symptoms

You may experience:

• A spinning sensation (vertigo)
• Lightheadedness or feeling faint
• Unsteadiness on your feet or veering to one side
• Worse symptoms when standing up, turning your head, or changing position
• Nausea, blurred vision or “brain fog”
• Fear of falling or reduced confidence outdoors

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Common causes

Dizziness and unsteadiness can have several causes, including:

• Inner ear problems (e.g., benign positional vertigo)
• Low blood pressure on standing (postural/orthostatic hypotension)
• Dehydration or low fluid intake
• Medication side effects or interactions (especially where there are multiple prescriptions)
• Anaemia, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems or blood sugar issues
• Heart rhythm problems
• Visual problems and poor depth perception
• Neurological causes (less common, but important to exclude)

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When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent medical attention (A&E/999) if dizziness or unsteadiness is accompanied by:

• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side, facial droop, slurred speech
• Severe, sudden headache unlike anything before
• New severe chest pain, breathlessness, or palpitations
• Collapse with injury, or ongoing vomiting and inability to keep fluids down

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Treatment and Next Steps

Treatment depends on the cause and may include:

• Specific manoeuvres/exercises for positional vertigo
• Hydration and nutrition advice
• Medication adjustments to reduce side effects or interactions
• Addressing postural blood pressure drops
• Referral to physiotherapy for balance, strengthening and gait support
• A follow-up plan to review progress and reduce falls risk

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Why Choose The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?

• Consultant-led assessment focused on the whole person
• Clear, practical care plan and advice for patients and families
• Convenient access to diagnostics where clinically appropriate
• Calm environment with prompt appointments in Aylesbury

Book an Appointment

If you are experiencing ongoing dizziness, unsteadiness or reduced confidence when walking, we are here to help.

Call 01296 678 800 or