Diseases & Conditions

Unraveling dizziness

What does it mean to be "dizzy"? Here are some of the common reasons.

By , Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch

photo of a man lying on a couch holding his hand to his head as he experiences dizziness

Dizziness can be an unsettling and scary experience. An episode may last only a few seconds or linger for several minutes or even longer. It may be an isolated incident, but in some people, episodes recur, especially during certain activities.

But what does being "dizzy" really mean? Many people have a difficult time articulating what they experience when they say they feel dizzy because it can encompass a range of sensations. One common experience is lightheadedness; another is a spinning feeling along with unsteadiness.

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About the Author

photo of Matthew Solan

Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch

Matthew Solan is the executive editor of Harvard Men’s Health Watch. He previously served as executive editor for UCLA Health’s Healthy Years and as a contributor to Duke Medicine’s Health News and Weill Cornell Medical College’s … See Full Bio
View all posts by Matthew Solan

About the Reviewer

photo of Howard E. LeWine, MD

Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing

Dr. Howard LeWine is a practicing internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Chief Medical Editor at Harvard Health Publishing, and editor in chief of Harvard Men’s Health Watch. See Full Bio
View all posts by Howard E. LeWine, MD

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