Dizziness is an extremely common complaint, affecting around 30% of adults at some point, and is one of the most frequent reasons for GP consultations. It encompasses a range of sensations including lightheadedness, unsteadiness and vertigo. Causes vary from benign inner ear problems to cardiovascular issues to anxiety — and identifying the underlying cause directs the most effective treatment.
See therapies that may helpDizziness is not a diagnosis in itself but a symptom that can arise from many different systems — the vestibular system (inner ear), the cardiovascular system, the cervical spine, or the brain. It is important to distinguish between the main types:
The most common cause of episodic vertigo is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) — a condition caused by displaced calcium crystals in the inner ear, which is very effectively treated with specific repositioning manoeuvres.
Associated features that help identify the cause of dizziness:
Seek urgent medical attention if dizziness is accompanied by sudden severe headache, double vision, difficulty speaking, weakness or numbness.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause:
Persistent or recurrent dizziness should be assessed by a GP to identify the cause and direct appropriate treatment. Vestibular physiotherapy is available through NHS physiotherapy services and privately. If BPPV is suspected, ask your GP or physiotherapist about the Epley manoeuvre specifically.
Showing 8 therapies linked to Dizziness support.
| Therapy | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapist |
strong
|
Vestibular rehabilitation exercises retrain balance and gaze control, helping the brain compensate for dizziness and reduce unsteadiness. |
| Chiropractor |
moderate
|
Spinal and neck adjustments may ease dizziness linked to cervical joint dysfunction, easing stiffness that can disturb balance and head position. |
| Cognitive Behavioural Therapist |
moderate
|
Useful where dizziness triggers anxiety or avoidance, helping you challenge fearful thoughts and gradually rebuild confidence in movement. |
| Osteopath |
moderate
|
Hands-on work on the neck and upper back can relieve tension that contributes to cervicogenic dizziness and unsteadiness on movement. |
| Acupuncturist |
mixed
|
Fine-needle stimulation is sometimes used for dizziness and associated nausea, with mixed evidence supporting it as part of broader care. |
| Alexander Technique Practitioner |
limited
|
Improving head, neck and postural awareness may reduce the unsteadiness around dizziness, though evidence is limited and it complements professional care. |
| Hypnotherapist |
limited
|
Relaxation and suggestion techniques may ease the anxiety and tension around dizzy spells, though evidence is limited and not a substitute for medical care. |
| Craniosacral Therapist |
moderate
|
Some find this gentle hands-on approach calming for dizziness, though evidence is limited; use it alongside, not instead of, proper medical assessment. |
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of episodic vertigo. It is caused by displaced calcium crystals (otoconia) in the inner ear, causing brief spinning sensations when the head moves in certain directions. It is treated with the Epley manoeuvre — a sequence of head movements performed by a physiotherapist — which resolves symptoms in around 80% of cases within one to three treatments.
Yes — anxiety causes dizziness through multiple mechanisms including hyperventilation (which alters blood CO2 levels), increased sympathetic nervous system activation, and heightened attention to vestibular sensations. Psychophysiological dizziness and persistent postural perceptual dizziness (PPPD) are established conditions in which anxiety is a primary driver. CBT and vestibular rehabilitation are effective treatments.
Most dizziness is benign and caused by inner ear problems, dehydration, anxiety or postural hypotension. However, sudden severe dizziness accompanied by neurological symptoms (double vision, weakness, difficulty speaking, severe headache) can indicate a serious neurological event and requires urgent medical assessment.
Dizziness is a broad term covering various sensations of spatial disorientation. Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness involving the definite sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving when they are not. Vertigo is most commonly caused by inner ear problems and has specific treatments.
Yes — cervicogenic dizziness (dizziness arising from dysfunction in the cervical spine) is a recognised condition, though it remains somewhat controversial in terms of mechanisms. It typically co-occurs with neck pain and stiffness, and responds to cervical physiotherapy and manual therapy. Distinguishing it from vestibular dizziness can require careful assessment.