Dizziness, Blackouts and ‘Funny Turns’: Getting a Sensible Assessment

Summary

Feeling dizzy, light‑headed, or experiencing blackouts or ‘funny turns’ can be frightening and unsettling. These symptoms are common and often benign, but in some situations they require careful medical assessment. This guide explains the most common causes of dizziness and blackouts, when it is safe to monitor symptoms, when to seek non‑emergency medical advice, and when urgent assessment is essential.

Who this guide is for

This guide is for you if:

• You experience dizziness, light‑headedness or spinning sensations.

• You have had a blackout, near‑blackout or unexplained fall.

• You feel “not quite right” but are unsure whether it is serious.

• You have had tests before but still lack a clear explanation or plan.

If you believe you may be having a life‑threatening episode, stop reading and call 999 immediately.

Red flag checklist: when to seek urgent help

Call 999 or attend A&E immediately if you experience:

• Sudden collapse or loss of consciousness.

• New weakness of the face, arm or leg, or difficulty speaking.

• Chest pain, severe breathlessness or palpitations with collapse.

• Seizures or prolonged confusion.

• Blackouts associated with exertion.

• Severe headache unlike anything you have had before.

This clinic is not an emergency service. If your symptoms are severe, worsening quickly, or potentially life‑threatening, call 999 or attend your nearest A&E.

Common causes of dizziness, blackouts and ‘funny turns’ 

1. Benign or short‑lived causes

• Dehydration or low blood pressure.

• Viral illnesses.

• Anxiety or panic‑related symptoms.

• Sudden standing or prolonged standing.

2. Balance‑related causes

• Inner ear problems such as vertigo.

• Post‑viral balance disturbance.

3. Heart‑related causes

• Abnormal heart rhythms.

• Drops in blood pressure.

• Structural heart conditions.

4. Blood and metabolic causes

• Anaemia.

• Low blood sugar.

• Electrolyte imbalance.

• Thyroid disorders.

5. Neurological causes

• Migraines.

• Seizure disorders.

• Less commonly, stroke or transient ischaemic attacks.

Your job is not to diagnose yourself, but to recognise patterns and seek appropriate assessment.

What you can safely do at home

If you have no red flags and symptoms are mild:

• Stay well hydrated.

• Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions.

• Keep a symptom diary.

• Avoid driving if blackouts occur.

• Review medications with a pharmacist or GP.

If symptoms persist or worsen, medical review is appropriate.

When and how to seek non‑emergency medical help

1. Your GP

Your GP can assess blood pressure, arrange blood tests and review medications.

2. Walk‑in or urgent treatment centres

Useful for new but stable symptoms that do not feel like an emergency.

3. A consultant physician

Consider this when:

• Symptoms are recurrent or unexplained.

• Blackouts have occurred.

• Multiple systems may be involved.

• You want a structured, senior‑level assessment.

Online vs in‑person consultations

• Online consultations are useful for history‑taking, reviewing results and planning tests.

• In‑person assessment is important when examination, ECG or blood pressure measurements are needed.

How Dr Paraiso’s clinic can help

Dr Hassan Paraiso is a Consultant in Acute and General Internal Medicine.

He supports adults who:

• Have been referred under urgent pathways

• Want a structured review of symptoms

• Need help interpreting scan results

• Feel unclear about next steps

• Are seeking a proportionate, consultant-level assessment

Appointments are available:

In-person clinics (Salford and London)

Salford (Eric Healthcare)

Bowsall House, 3 King Street

Salford, M3 7DG

London (Harley Street)

10 Harley St

London, W1G 9PF

Telephone: 0121 838 1869

Online consultations — UK-wide

The aim is clarity, structure, and proportionate investigation.

 After each consultation, you receive a clear written summary to share with your GP.

Frequently asked questions

Is dizziness always serious?

No. Many causes are benign, but recurrent or unexplained symptoms should be assessed.

Can this be assessed online?

Often yes, especially for history‑taking and results review.

Do I always need tests?

No. Tests are used when they add clarity or improve safety.

Key takeaways

• Dizziness and blackouts are common but should not be ignored.

• Red flag symptoms require urgent care.

• Many causes are treatable once identified.

• A consultant physician can help when symptoms are unclear or persistent.

Final safety reminder

This clinic is not an emergency service. If your symptoms are severe, worsening quickly, or potentially life‑threatening, call 999 or attend your nearest A&E immediately.