In this Article

• Introduction to dizziness (feeling dizzy)
• What are some common causes of dizziness?
• Low blood pressure
• Postural or orthostatic hypotension
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Endocrine diseases
• Hyperventilation
• Heart conditions
• Vasovagal syncope
• Dizziness and vertigo
• What are the symptoms experienced when a person feels dizzy?
• When should I call the doctor for dizziness?
• How is dizziness diagnosed?
• How is dizziness/vertigo diagnosed?
• How is dizziness treated?
• Dizziness At A Glance
• Patient Discussions: Dizziness - Describe Your Diagnosis
• Dizziness (Dizzy) Glossary
• Dizziness (Dizzy) Index

Dizziness At A Glance

• Dizziness is a symptom that is often applies to a variety of sensations including lightheadedness and vertigo. Vertigo is the sensation of spinning, while lightheadedness is typically considered near fainting, and weakness.
  
  
• Conditions that may cause dizziness in a patient include low blood pressure, high blood pressure, dehydration, medications, postural or orthostatic hypotension, diabetes, endocrine disorders, hyperventilation, heart conditions, and vasovagal syncope.
  
  
• Vertigo is most often caused by a problem in the balance centers of the inner ear called the vestibular system and causes the sensation of the room spinning. It may be associated with vomiting. Symptoms often are made worse with position changes. Those with significant symptoms and vomiting may need intravenous medication and hospitalization.
  
  
• Vertigo is also the presenting symptom in patients with Meneire's Disease and acoustic neuroma, conditions that often require referral to an ENT specialist.
  
  
• Most often, dizziness or lightheadedness is a temporary situation that resolves spontaneously without a specific diagnosis being made.

Dizziness - Describe Your Diagnosis

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Please describe your diagnosis of your dizziness.

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• Low Blood Pressure - Learn about low blood pressure (hypotension). Low blood pressure is blood pressure below normal and symptoms may include: lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting upon standing (orthostatic hypotension). There are many causes of low blood pressure, and treatment is dependant upon the cause.

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