1. Balance Disorders Slideshow
2. Take the Vertigo Quiz
3. Tinnitus Slideshow: Why Are My Ears Ringing?

Medical Author:

Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

Dr. Ben Wedro practices emergency medicine at Gundersen Clinic, a regional trauma center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. His background includes undergraduate and medical studies at the University of Alberta, a Family Practice internship at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and residency training in Emergency Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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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 Comments: Dizziness - Diagnosis
• Patient Comments: Dizziness - Causes
• Patient Comments: Dizziness - Standing Up
• Patient Comments: Dizziness - Treatment
• Dizziness (Dizzy) Index

• 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 Meniere'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.

REFERENCE: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th edition. McGraw Hill. 2008