Dizziness Symptoms
Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index
Medical Author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Dizziness is a painless head
discomfort with many possible causes including disturbances of
vision, the brain, balance (vestibular) system of the inner
ear, and gastrointestinal system. Dizziness is a medically
indistinct term which laypersons use to describe a variety of
conditions such as lightheadedness, unsteadiness, and vertigo.
REFERENCE:
Fauci, Anthony S., et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.
Main Article on Dizziness
-
Dizziness (Dizzy)
Dizziness is a symptom that is often applies to a variety of sensations including lightheadedness and vertigo. Causes of...learn more »
Causes of Dizziness
-
Anemia
Anemia is the condition of having less than the normal number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin...learn more »
In This Article
Anemia Article
- Anemia facts*
- What is anemia?
- What causes anemia?
- Can inadequate iron cause anemia?
- What about acute (sudden) blood loss as a cause of anemia?
- What are other causes of anemia?
- Can anemia be hereditary?
- What are the symptoms of anemia?
- How is anemia diagnosed?
- What is a complete blood cell (CBC) count?
- How is blood collected for a complete blood cell (CBC)?
- What is the red blood cell (RBC) count?
- What is hemoglobin?
- What does a low hemoglobin level mean?
- What is the hematocrit?
- How is hematocrit determined?
- How is anemia treated?
- What are the complications of anemia?
- What is the outlook (prognosis) for anemia?
-
Brain Tumor
A brain tumor can be either benign (non cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), primary, or secondary. Causes and risk factors...learn more »
In This Article
Brain Tumor Article
- Brain tumor facts*
- What is the brain?
- What are the tumor grades and types?
- Tumor grade
- Types of primary brain tumors
- What are the risk factors for brain tumors?
- What are the symptoms of a brain tumor?
- How are brain tumors diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for a brain tumor?
- What type of surgery is available for brain tumors?
- Radiation therapy for brain tumors
- Chemotherapy for brain tumors
- What about a second opinion for brain tumor treatment?
- Nutrition during brain tumor treatment
- What supportive care is available for patients and caregivers?
- What about rehabilitation after brain tumor treatment?
- What about follow-up care after brain tumor treatment?
- Sources of support
- Taking part in cancer research
-
In This Article
Cardiomyopathy (Dilated) Article
- What Is dilated cardiomyopathy?
- What are the symptoms of Dilated Cardiomyopathy?
- What causes Dilated Cardiomyopathy?
- How is Dilated Cardiomyopathy diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for Dilated Cardiomyopathy?
- What surgeries are used to treat Dilated Cardiomyopathy?
-
Chest Pain
Chest pain is a common complaint by a patient in the ER. Causes of chest pain include broken or bruised ribs, pleurisy,...learn more »
In This Article
Chest Pain Article
- Chest pain facts
- Chest pain introduction
- What are the sources of chest pain?
- What are the causes of chest pain?
- How is chest pain diagnosed?
- What is the philosophy of the approach to chest pain diagnosis?
- What is the diagnosis and treatment for chest pain?
- Broken or bruised ribs
- Costochondritis
- Pleuritis or pleurisy
- Pneumothorax
- Shingles
- Pneumonia
- Pulmonary embolism
- Angina and heart attack (myocardial infarction)
- Pericarditis
- Aorta and aortic dissection
- Esophagus and reflux esophagitis
- Referred abdominal pain
-
Concussion
Concussion is a short-lived loss of brain function that is due to head trauma. There are two types of concussion, simple and...learn more »
In This Article
Concussion Article
- What is concussion and what causes concussion?
- What are the types of concussion?
- What are the signs and symptoms of concussion?
- How is concussion diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for concussion?
- How can concussion be prevented?
- What is the future of concussion?
-
In This Article
Ear Infection (Otitis Media) Article
- Otitis media (ear infection or inflammation) facts
- What is otitis media?
- What are the symptoms of acute middle ear infection?
- "Are ear infections contagious?
- How common is acute otitis media?
- Why do young children tend to have middle ear infections or inflammation?
- How does the Eustachian tube change as a child gets older?
- What microorganisms cause otitis media?
- What is the relationship between bottlefeeding and
middle ear infection or inflammation?
- What are the risk factors for acute middle ear infection or inflammation?
- How is otitis media diagnosed?
- How is acute middle ear infection or inflammation treated?
- Are there any home remedies for acute ear infection (otitis media)?
- What causes chronic middle ear infection or inflammation?
- What happens to the eardrum in chronic middle ear infection or inflammation?
- What happens to the eardrum if a hole develops in the eardrum?
- How is chronic middle ear infection or inflammation treated?
- What are the goals of otitis media surgery?
- What is serious middle ear infection or inflammation?
- What limitations are there on a child with
middle ear infection or inflammation?
- Can otitis media (middle ear infection or inflammation) be prevented?
-
Fainting (Syncope)
Fainting, also referred to as blacking out, syncope, or temporary loss of consciousness has many causes. Often a person will have...learn more »
In This Article
Fainting (Syncope) Article
- Introduction to fainting (syncope)
- What causes fainting (syncope)?
- Heart rhythm changes
- Heart structural conditions
- Heart valve conditions
- Sudden cardiac death
- Postural hypotension
- Vasovagal syncope
- Anemia
- Dehydration
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Vertebrobasilar system
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Other medications and drugs
- Pregnancy
- What are the signs and symptoms of fainting (syncope)?
- How is fainting (syncope) diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for fainting (syncope)?
- Can fainting (syncope) be prevented?
- Fainting (Syncope) At A Glance
-
Hantavirus
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a disease transmitted by rodents. Symptoms include fever and muscle pain. HPS can be...learn more »
In This Article
Hantavirus Article
- Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) facts
- What is hantavirus?
- What is hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), and what are
hantavirus pulmonary syndrome symptoms and signs?
- What is the history of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome?
- What causes hantavirus pulmonary syndrome?
- How is hantavirus pulmonary syndrome diagnosed?
- What is the
treatment for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome?
- What are risk factors for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome?
- What are complications of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome?
- What is the prognosis of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome?
- Can hantavirus pulmonary syndrome be
prevented?
- Where can people get more information on hantavirus pulmonary syndrome?
-
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss (deafness) may be present at birth or it may manifest later in life. Deafness may be genetic or due to damage from...learn more »
In This Article
Hearing Loss Article
- What are forms of hearing loss?
- What are the types of hearing loss?
- What are the symptoms of hearing loss?
- What is the treatment for hearing loss?
-
In This Article
Heart Attack Treatment Article
- What is a heart attack?
- How is a heart attack treated?
- Antiplatelet agents
- Aspirin
- Thienopyridines
- Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors
- Anticoagulants
- Clot-dissolving drugs
- Coronary angiography and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA)
- Coronary artery stents
- Nitrates
- Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- Beta blockers
- Oxygen
- Coronary artery bypass
- What can a patient expect during recovery from a heart attack?
- How can a second heart attack be prevented?
-
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a repeatedly
elevated blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90 mmHg -- a...learn more »
In This Article
High Blood Pressure Article
- High blood pressure facts
- What is high blood pressure?
- How is the blood pressure measured?
- How is blood pressure defined?
- What are the signs and symptoms of high blood pressure?
- What are the different types of high blood pressure?
- Isolated systolic high blood pressure
- White coat high blood pressure
- Borderline high blood pressure
- What causes high blood pressure?
- The metabolic syndrome and obesity
- What are the causes of secondary high blood pressure?
- Renal (kidney) hypertension
- Adrenal gland tumors
- Coarctation of the aorta
- What is the treatment for high blood pressure?
-
Jet Lag
Jet lag (desynchonosis) is a temporary disorder that results from travel across time zones. Symptoms include anxiety,...learn more »
In This Article
Jet Lag Article
- What is jet lag?
- What are other symptoms and signs of jet lag?
- What is a time zone?
- Why does jet lag occur?
- How does the body keep time?
- What is the role of melatonin in jet lag?
- Does the direction of travel matter?
- Do the symptoms of jet lag vary in intensity?
- How long does jet lag last?
- What are the best ways to cope with jet lag?
- Should I take melatonin?
-
Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure, also referred to as hypotension, is blood pressure that is so low that it causes symptoms or signs due to the...learn more »
In This Article
Low Blood Pressure Article
- Low blood pressure facts
- What is low blood pressure?
- How is blood pressure generated?
- How does the body maintain normal blood pressure?
- Is low blood pressure bad for your health?
- What are low blood pressure signs and symptoms?
- What are the causes of low blood pressure?
- How is low blood pressure diagnosed and evaluated?
- What is the treatment for low blood pressure?
-
Meniere's Disease
Meniere disease (idiopathic endolymphatic hydrops) is an inner ear disorder with symptoms that include vertigo, tinnitus, hearing...learn more »
In This Article
Meniere's Disease Article
- What is Meniere's disease?
- What causes Meniere's disease?
- What are the symptoms of Meniere's disease?
- How is Meniere's disease diagnosed?
- How can Meniere's disease be treated?
- Meniere's Disease At A Glance
-
Migraine
Migraine is usually periodic attacks of headaches on one or both sides of the head. These may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting,...learn more »
In This Article
Migraine Article
- What is a migraine headache?
- What are the symptoms of migraine headaches?
- What are some of the variants of migraine headaches?
- How is a migraine headache diagnosed?
- How are migraine headaches treated?
- What is the treatment for moderate to severe migraine headaches?
- What other medications are used for treating migraine headaches?
- How are migraine headaches prevented?
- What are migraine triggers?
- What should migraine sufferers do?
- What are prophylactic medications for migraine headaches?
- What is the proper way to use preventive medications?
- What is the treatment for menstrual migraine?
- Conclusions
-
Motion Sickness
Motion sickness, often referred to as car sickness, sea sickness, or air sickness, is a very common disturbance of the inner ear...learn more »
In This Article
Motion Sickness Article
- Motion sickness facts
- What is motion sickness?
- What causes motion sickness?
- What are the symptoms of motion sickness?
- Is there a difference between motion sickness and sea sickness?
- How does our sense of balance work?
- How does motion sickness affect our sense of balance?
- Is motion sickness a serious condition?
- When do the nausea and vomiting of motion sickness stop?
- How is motion sickness treated?
- When should I see a doctor for motion sickness?
- What remedies can be taken to prevent or minimize motion sickness?
- Related motion sickness article:
Motion Sickness - on eMedicineHealth
-
Neck Pain
Neck pain (cervical pain) may be caused by any number of disorders and diseases. Tenderness is another symptom of neck pain....learn more »
In This Article
Neck Pain Article
- What is neck pain? What are causes and risk factors for neck pain?
- What are other symptoms that are associated with neck pain?
- What are the structures of the neck?
- How is neck pain diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for neck pain? What are home remedies for neck pain?
-
POT Syndrome
POT syndrome (POTS, postrual orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) is a nervous system disorder that causes lightheadedness and...learn more »
In This Article
POT Syndrome Article
- What is postural tachycardia syndrome?
- Is there any treatment?
- What is the prognosis?
- What research is being done?
-
In This Article
Sick Building Syndrome Article
- What is sick building syndrome, or multiple chemical sensitivity?
- Why is sick building syndrome controversial?
- How common is sick building syndrome?
- What causes sick building syndrome?
- How is sick building syndrome diagnosed and treated?
- Sick building syndrome and working with a doctor
-
Stroke
A stroke results from impaired oxygen delivery to brain cells via the bloodstream. A stroke is also referred to as a CVA, or...learn more »
In This Article
Stroke Article
- Stroke facts
- What is a stroke?
- What causes a stroke?
- What are the risk factors for stroke?
- What is a transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
- What is the impact of strokes?
- What are stroke symptoms?
- What should be done if you
suspect you or someone else is having a stroke?
- How is a stroke diagnosed?
- What is the treatment of a stroke?
- What complications can occur after a stroke?
- What can be done to prevent a stroke?
- What is in the future for stroke treatment?
-
Teen Drug Abuse
Drugs commonly abused by teens include tobacco products, marijuana, cold medications, inhalants, depressants, stimulants,...learn more »
In This Article
Teen Drug Abuse Article
- Teen drug abuse facts
- What drugs are abused by teenagers?
- What are some adolescent drug use statistics?
- What are the dangerous effects of drug use in teens?
- How can parents prevent drug use?
- What are the symptoms and warning signs of drug abuse?
- What is drug abuse?
- What are the causes and risk factors of teen drug use?
- What are the symptoms of drug abuse in teens?
- What is the treatment of drug intoxication?
- What are treatments for drug addiction?
- Where can a person get help for teen drug abuse?
-
In This Article
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) Article
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders facts
- What is the temporomandibular joint?
- What are TMJ disorders, and what are causes of TMJ
disorders?
- What are common TMJ symptoms?
- How are patients evaluated and diagnosed when TMJ problems are suspected?
- What is the treatment for TMJ disorders?
- What is the prognosis (outlook) of TMJ disorder?
- Can TMJ problems be prevented?
-
Vertigo
Vertigo is a feeling of spinning movement, and at times accompanied by nausea and vomiting occur. Vertigo is most often...learn more »
In This Article
Vertigo Article
- Vertigo introduction
- What is vertigo?
- What are the causes of vertigo?
- What are the symptoms of vertigo?
- Who is vertigo diagnosed?
- How is vertigo treated?
- Can I treat vertigo at home, and can vertigo be prevented?
- Vertigo At A Glance
Other Causes of Dizziness
Examples of Medications for Dizziness
Symptoms & Signs A-Z List
|
