Kids and teens with dizziness may feel lightheadedness (a sensation of feeling faint, weak, or “woozy,” as if they might pass out), vertigo (a spinning or tilting sensation), or a feeling of being off-balance or unsteady when standing or walking.

Dizziness can come from many different causes. In children and teens, most causes aren't serious, and the dizziness usually goes away on its own.

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for:

• Giving your child any medicines
• When your child may return to school, childcare, sports, and other activities
• Any activities your child needs to avoid (if there is concern that your child could pass out/fall)
• Keeping a record on paper or your phone of when dizziness happens, how long it lasts, what made it go away, and whether there are any other symptoms (This can help your healthcare provider understand what is causing your child's dizziness.)
• Whether your child needs to go to any medical specialists
• When to follow up

If your child feels dizzy, have them:

1. Sit or lie down immediately.
2. Stay still and avoid sudden head movements, standing up, or walking until the feeling passes.
3. Loosen any tight clothing to help them feel more comfortable.
4. Try these things to see if they help the dizziness. Have your child:
   • Focus on a fixed point. If there is vertigo, looking at one steady object can help reduce it.
   • Drink water or an oral electrolyte drink (like Pedialyte® or Liquid I.V.®), especially if you think they may be dehydrated (not enough water in the body).
   • Eat a light snack, such as crackers, fruit, or toast.
5. Wait before standing up. When the dizziness passes, have your child sit up slowly first, wait a minute, then stand gradually.

Your child:

• Is having more episodes of dizziness or the episodes are lasting longer than usual
• Has new or worsening headaches
• Has vomiting with dizziness

Your child:

• Passes out
• Is dizzy or passes out during physical activity or sports or when lying down
• Has dizziness that doesn't go away, a severe headache, and abnormal eye movements

What causes dizziness? In kids and teens, common causes include:

• A specific type of migraine that happens without a headache
• Quick position changes such as standing up too fast 
• Anxiety or stress 
• Dehydration from not drinking enough liquids, especially during sports, hot weather, or illness
• Low blood sugar from skipping meals or going too long without eating.
• Inner ear problems 
• Lack of sleep or tiredness
• Illness or fever 
• Anemia (not enough red blood cells in the body)
• Certain medicines

Can dizziness in kids and teens be prevented? It depends on the cause. It can help to:

• Teach your child ways to manage anxiety and stress, such as deep breathing or yoga, being physically active, or talking to a counselor.
• Make sure your child gets enough sleep. Younger kids need 9–12 hours of sleep a night and teens need 8–10 hours a night.
• Have your child eat three meals and 1–2 snacks a day and avoid long gaps without eating anything. 
• Remind your child to stand up slowly from sitting or lying down.
• Encourage your child to drink water regularly and to increase how much they drink when it's hot outside and they are physically active.