Short answer
Dizziness that feels like you might faint, mainly when you stand up quickly, often comes from blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension). Spinning, tilting or unsteadiness triggered by moving your head, rolling in bed or busy visual scenes points to the inner ear or balance system. Some people have both, so testing both is the fastest route to the right treatment.
Answered by Dr. Manan Patel, PT, DPT, TPS, Certified Vestibular Specialist and Therapeutic Pain Specialist. Updated October 18, 2026.
What does blood pressure dizziness feel like?
Orthostatic hypotension is a drop in blood pressure of at least 20 mmHg systolic or 10 mmHg diastolic within three minutes of standing1. It usually feels like lightheadedness, dimming vision or a sense you might pass out, and it eases when you sit or lie down. Dehydration, some blood pressure and prostate medicines, diabetes and Parkinson's disease make it more likely. Fainting, chest pain or palpitations need prompt medical evaluation.
What does inner ear (vestibular) dizziness feel like?
Vestibular dizziness is usually linked to head movement or position rather than standing up. People describe spinning when they roll over or look up (BPPV), constant tilting or rocking, blurry or bouncing vision when walking, or feeling pulled to one side. Because people's descriptions of dizziness are often imprecise, clinicians rely more on timing and triggers than on the words used2.
How do you test for the cause of dizziness?
At your evaluation we can check blood pressure lying and standing, examine your eye movements with infrared video goggles during positional tests, measure balance on the BioSway computerized system and screen the neck. If the findings point to blood pressure, heart rhythm or medication effects, we send a summary to your physician. If they point to the inner ear, treatment usually starts the same day.
Where is there a dizziness clinic near Alpharetta, Johns Creek or Cumming?
North Atlanta Vertigo has clinics in Alpharetta (9635 Ventana Way, Ste 103) and Cumming (566 Peachtree Pkwy, Ste 124), serving Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell and Suwanee. No referral is needed to start, though some insurance plans have their own rules, and urgent appointments are available within 48 hours.
Where can I get help in Alpharetta, Cumming and nearby?
Dr. Manan Patel, PT, DPT, TPS and our team of physical therapists see patients from Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell, Cumming, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Buford, Duluth and Forsyth County at two North Atlanta clinics. Every visit is 60 minutes, one-on-one, and urgent appointments are available within 48 hours. We are in-network with Traditional Medicare, BCBS / Anthem and Tricare, and offer a $129 rate per visit for self-pay and out-of-network plans. Not sure where to start? Take the free symptom self-check, or visit our Alpharetta clinic or Cumming clinic page.
Cumming clinic
Off GA-400 Exit 13 on Peachtree Parkway
Cumming, GA 30041
Alpharetta clinic
Inside Georgia Brain & Spine Physical Therapy
Alpharetta, GA 30022
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References
- Freeman R, et al. Consensus statement on the definition of orthostatic hypotension, neurally mediated syncope and the postural tachycardia syndrome. Clinical Autonomic Research. 2011.
- Newman-Toker DE, et al. Imprecision in patient reports of dizziness symptom quality: a cross-sectional study conducted in an acute care setting. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2007.
This answer is general education, not a diagnosis or a substitute for an examination. If you have new or worsening symptoms, contact your doctor. Call 911 for sudden severe dizziness with trouble speaking, weakness, numbness, double vision or a severe headache.
