Dizziness
Alternative names:
lightheadedness - dizzy; loss of balance; vertigo
Home care:
Follow prescribed treatment for the underlying cause.
The feeling of lightheadedness upon standing is one of the most common causes of temporary blackout or faintness and becomes more frequent with increasing age. Avoid sudden changes in posture.
A persistent lightheaded feeling without other symptoms is often due to anxiety, rather than a brain tumor or other hidden disease. Often people have to learn to live with this problem.
Call your health care provider if:
- there has been complete loss of consciousness.
- the room seems to spin around (vertigo).
- dizziness is preventing daily activities.
- medication is the suspected cause. Talk to your health care provider before taking the next dose of medication.
- lightheadedness lasts for more than 3 weeks.
- other symptoms are also present, especially chest pain, numbness and tingling, or other serious symptoms.
What to expect at your health care provider's office:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.
Medical history questions documenting dizziness in detail may include: - quality
- Does dizziness occur with a change in body position?
- How severe is the dizziness?
- Does the room seem to move (vertigo)?
- time pattern
- When did it begin?
- Is the person always dizzy?
- Does dizziness come and go (episodic)?
- How long does it last (how many hours)?
- Did another illness develop after the dizziness began?
- How much later did the illness develop:
- associated complaints
The physical examination may include emphasis on the heart, head, ears, and nervous system.
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include: - blood pressure measurements and tests
- ECG
- hearing tests
- neurological tests
- balance testing (ENG) may be required.
After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to dizziness to your personal medical record.
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