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A feeling of lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or spinning. Can range from mild to disabling.
There are several possible causes. Here are the most common ones:
Inner ear crystals cause brief spinning when you move.
You might suspect this if you have:
Not enough fluid or sudden position change.
You might suspect this if you have:
Inner ear or general viral illness.
You might suspect this if you have:
Stress can cause lightheadedness.
You might suspect this if you have:
Some medications cause dizziness.
You might suspect this if you have:
Important: This information is for general guidance only and should not be used to self-diagnose. A doctor can properly assess your symptoms and provide appropriate advice.
Call 000 or go to Emergency immediately
Dizziness is a vague term that can mean different things to different people, so the first thing I clarify is what they actually feel. True vertigo (the room is spinning) suggests an inner ear or vestibular problem. Lightheadedness (feeling faint) suggests blood pressure, dehydration, or cardiac causes. Unsteadiness (feeling off-balance) may be neurological or musculoskeletal. BPPV is the most common vestibular cause and is highly treatable with the Epley manoeuvre. The key safety question is whether dizziness makes driving unsafe — if so, a medical certificate is not just appropriate, it is a duty-of-care issue.
Medical certificate guidance: If dizziness makes driving or operating machinery unsafe, you must not work in those roles until the symptom resolves. A medical certificate is appropriate and important for safety. Most vestibular dizziness resolves within 1-2 weeks.
All clinical decisions are made by AHPRA-registered doctors following our clinical governance framework. We never automate clinical decisions.
Yes. Dizziness can make driving and many jobs unsafe. Our doctors can provide a certificate.
Dizziness is a general term. Vertigo specifically means a spinning sensation. Both need assessment if persistent.
If your symptoms are keeping you from work or study, you can request a medical certificate through InstantMed. A doctor will review your symptoms and issue a certificate if clinically appropriate — typically for 1 to 3 days depending on severity. You don't need to be dramatically unwell; feeling genuinely too rough to function is reason enough.
Yes. Australian-registered doctors can assess your symptoms and issue valid medical certificates via telehealth. You fill in a detailed health questionnaire, a doctor reviews it, and if appropriate, your certificate is delivered digitally. No waiting room required.
You complete a structured health questionnaire covering your symptoms, duration, severity, and relevant medical history. The reviewing doctor uses this information — the same clinical reasoning they'd apply in a face-to-face consult — to determine whether a certificate, advice, or referral is appropriate.
A medical certificate covers the period stated on the document. If your symptoms worsen or don't improve as expected, you should see a GP in person or visit your nearest emergency department if it's urgent. Your certificate doesn't replace ongoing care — it's a point-in-time clinical assessment.
In some cases, yes. If a doctor reviewing your request determines that a common, non-restricted treatment is appropriate, they may issue a prescription as part of a consultation. Not all symptoms require or qualify for a prescription — the doctor will advise you on next steps.
Medical certificates are typically issued in under 30 minutes, available 24/7. Other requests are reviewed within 1–2 hours during operating hours (8am–10pm AEST, 7 days). You'll receive an email notification once your request has been reviewed.
If your symptoms suggest something that requires a physical examination, diagnostic tests, or specialist referral, the doctor will let you know and recommend appropriate next steps. Your safety is the priority — telehealth is a great option for many things, but it's not a replacement for hands-on assessment when that's what's needed.
No Medicare card is required for medical certificates. If you're requesting a prescription or consultation, a valid Medicare card is needed. Our service is private and does not attract a Medicare rebate, though any prescriptions issued can still attract PBS subsidies at the pharmacy.
Our Australian-registered doctors can assess your symptoms and provide advice, treatment, or medical certificates if needed.
Get assessedThis information is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health. Content on this page has been reviewed by AHPRA-registered Australian doctors but does not replace a personalised medical consultation.