What Are the Causes of Dizziness When I Lean Over?

Many people experience dizziness when leaning over. According to the University of California, San Francisco, nearly 40 percent of adults will experience some dizziness or balance disorder at least one time in their lives.

Identification

• Dizziness can best be described as a whirling or spinning sensation in the head. Dizziness affects more women than men and may increase with age.

Meniere's Disease

• Meniere's disease is a condition that may result from an imbalance of fluids in the inner ear. The symptoms of Meniere's disease can be dizziness, roaring in the ears, hearing loss and a feeling of fullness in the ears.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV, is a condition that causes dizziness or vertigo when changing positions of the head. It is especially noticeable when lying down or leaning over. This is a common form of vertigo and generally responds well to treatment.

Neurological Causes

• Some neurological conditions may cause dizziness while leaning over. These may include migraine headaches, brain tumors, strokes, TIAs (transient ischemic attacks) or multiple sclerosis. These conditions can cause extreme bouts of vertigo and imbalance.

Considerations

• While occasional dizziness is a common problem, persistent dizziness can be a sign of a serious condition. It is important to consult your doctor if you have persistent dizziness while leaning over.