Dizzy in the heatwave? That’s your brain seeking help

As temperatures soar across India, doctors are reporting a noticeable rise in patients complaining of dizziness, imbalance, fainting spells, and vertigo — symptoms many people dismiss as simple weakness caused by the heatwave.

Neurologists and physicians, however, warn that these symptoms are often linked to dehydration, blood pressure fluctuations, inner-ear disorders, migraines, and, in some cases, serious neurological emergencies such as stroke.

“During extreme heat, we often see a rise in complaints of dizziness, imbalance, light-headedness, and vertigo,” said Dr Praveen Gupta, Chairman of Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro & Spine (MAIINS), Gurugram.

“Many people assume it is just weakness from the heat, but sometimes the symptoms are linked to the brain, inner ear, dehydration, or sudden changes in blood pressure,” he said.

Doctors explained that vertigo is different from ordinary dizziness.

“Vertigo is the feeling that the room is spinning or that you are losing your balance, even while sitting down,” Dr Gupta said.

AIIMS neurologist Dr Priyanka Sehrawat told Patriot that many people mistake dizziness itself for a disease, whereas it is often only a symptom of an underlying condition.

“The most common cause of dizziness is benign positional vertigo, which is triggered by sudden head movement or changes in position,” she explained.

Other causes include vestibular neuritis, an infection affecting the balance nerve in the inner ear, excessive fluid accumulation inside the ear, migraines, and injuries to the head or neck.

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Stress on nervous system

Doctors said heatwaves worsen these conditions by placing additional stress on the body’s circulation and nervous system.

“Extreme heat can aggravate neurological conditions by triggering dehydration, fatigue, and fluctuations in blood pressure,” said Dr Sunil Kutty, neurosurgeon at NewEra Hospital, Navi Mumbai.

Inner-ear disorders

Doctors said people already suffering from migraines or inner-ear disorders often experience worsening symptoms during the summer.

Conditions such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and Ménière’s disease may flare up because dehydration and heat stress affect the delicate fluid balance inside the ear.

“Some people feel dizzy while turning or changing the position of their body,” Dr Sehrawat said.

“In such situations, an ENT specialist should evaluate whether there is a problem inside the ear.”

She advised people suffering from persistent dizziness to check haemoglobin and Vitamin B12 levels, as anaemia and nutritional deficiencies may also contribute to imbalance and fatigue.

“If symptoms persist despite these evaluations, patients should consult a neurologist,” she said.

More heat illnesses

Doctors across hospitals said this summer had already brought an increase in heat-related complications.

“Hospitals are commonly seeing cases of dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, dizziness, fainting, and worsening of existing conditions such as hypertension, kidney disease, and heart problems,” Dr Gopani said.

Many patients, doctors added, arrive with severe fatigue, headaches, electrolyte imbalance, nausea, and weakness after prolonged exposure to extreme heat.

Self-diagnosis

A 2025 study published in the International Journal of Clinical Skills found that many vertigo patients in India increasingly turn to social media platforms such as X, YouTube, and online medical forums for information and treatment advice.

The study analysed 6,900 posts from more than 4,300 online conversations related to vertigo and found that dizziness, headaches, imbalance, fainting, shakiness, and memory problems were among the most frequently discussed symptoms.

Dr Sudhir Kumar, Professor and Head of Neurology at Apollo Hospital, Hyderabad, and lead author of the study, said patients often seek answers online because of delays in appointments or uncertainty regarding diagnoses.

“Patients increasingly use online platforms to discuss their medical conditions and cross-check diagnoses and treatments,” he said.

“However, they should rely only on credible medical sources and avoid misinformation.”

Preventive measures

Doctors said most heat-triggered dizziness and vertigo episodes could be prevented with proper hydration, electrolyte intake, and limiting exposure to extreme temperatures.

Experts advised people to avoid direct sun exposure during peak afternoon hours, wear light cotton clothing, eat regular meals, and avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol intake.

“Do not wait until you feel thirsty,” Dr Agarwal said.

“Stay hydrated consistently and include electrolytes to maintain nerve and muscle function.”

Doctors also recommended standing up slowly after sitting or lying down for long periods to prevent sudden drops in blood pressure.

“Most heat-related dizziness and falls are preventable,” Dr Tapdiya said.

Experts stressed that any sudden neurological symptom — especially confusion, slurred speech, facial drooping, weakness, or loss of consciousness — should never be ignored, regardless of age.

As heatwaves intensify across the country, doctors warn that dizziness is not always harmless fatigue. In some cases, it may be the body’s earliest warning sign of a serious medical emergency.

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