Overview
'Dizziness' can mean vertigo (spinning), presyncope (about to faint), disequilibrium (off-balance), or nonspecific lightheadedness. Sorting the type points to the cause.
Symptoms to watch for
- Spinning sensation (vertigo)
- Feeling faint (presyncope)
- Off-balance (disequilibrium)
What else could this be?
- BPPV (brief spinning with position change)
- Vestibular neuritis (days of constant vertigo)
- Meniere's (with hearing loss and tinnitus)
- Vestibular migraine
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Anemia
- Anxiety
How it's diagnosed
History, Dix-Hallpike maneuver for BPPV, orthostatic vitals, HINTS exam if central cause suspected.
Treatment
BPPV: Epley maneuver. Vestibular neuritis: meclizine short-term + vestibular therapy. Address underlying causes.
When to book a visit
Book for typical BPPV or chronic dizziness workup.
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