FEELING as if the room is spinning is fine if you're on a rollercoaster.
But for all those times you're not at a theme park, feeling a bit off kilter is definitely not fine.
In fact, feeling dizzy can sometimes be a sign of several serious health issues.
GP Dr Rachel Ward explains what dizziness is, what illnesses it could be a sign of, and when dizziness is a medical emergency.
What is dizziness?
"Dizziness is a word people use to describe a huge variety of symptoms but medically we think of dizziness as feeling lightheaded, faint or off balance.
"People who have vertigo will often say they are dizzy but this sensation is quite different with a characteristic feeling of spinning and unsteadiness," the GP says.
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What illnesses cause dizziness?
"Lots of conditions and illnesses have associated dizziness," Dr Rachel explains.
She adds: "It is a common symptom if you are generally not feeling well – if you have a virus, or if you have not been eating and drinking properly," she adds.
1. Blood pressure problems
"Dizziness can be an indicator that you have an underlying condition such as high blood pressure or a blood pressure that falls when you stand," Dr Rachel explains.
High blood pressure is a serious condition that raises the risk of death and multiple harmful health problems.
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Low blood pressure can cause a lack of blood flow to the organs of the body.
When organs don't get enough blood they can fail and shut down.
2. Abnormal heart rhythm
"A feeling of dizziness can occur when there is a disturbance in the flow of oxygen and blood to the brain," she explains.
This can happen when someone is experiencing an abnormal heart rhythm.
Certain types of abnormal heart rhythms which occur in people with severe heart conditions can cause sudden cardiac death.
3. Ear infection
Dizziness is commonly caused by an ear infection.
"This is because the signals from your balance centre or eyes to your brain are disturbed," the GP explains.
Most ear infections don't cause long-term complications.
However, in some cases the infection can spread to your brain which can lead to brain damage or even meningitis.
4. Stroke
If a stroke happens in brainstem -the areas that control balance in the brain – you may be left with vertigo.
This means having a feeling that you or the world around you are moving or spinning.
A stroke can life-threatening.
It can have different effects depending on where in the brain this damage occurs.
It can change how you think and feel, and cause speech problems or a weakness on one side.
When dizziness is a medical emergency?
"Rarely, dizziness can be an indication of a serious underlying condition such as stroke or an infection in the nervous system," Dr Rachel explains.
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" If you have any symptoms of stroke – difficult speaking, facial weakness, arm or leg weakness, new change in vision, new loss of hearing then call 999.
"Dizziness with fever, a severe headache, vomiting and fainting also needs urgent medical review by calling 111 or your GP," she adds.
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