Dizziness (vertigo)
Dizziness (vertigo)
DrEddyClinic.com
Complications
Dizziness can increase your risk of falling. Accidents while driving a car or operating heavy machinery are more likely. You may also experience long-term consequences if an existing health condition that may be causing your dizziness goes untreated.
When to seek medical advice
See your doctor if you experience any unexplained, recurrent or severe dizziness. Although it's uncommon for dizziness to signal a serious illness, see your doctor immediately if you experience dizziness or vertigo along with any of the following:
* A new, different or severe Headache
* Blurred vision
* Hearing loss
* Speech impairment
* Leg or arm weakness
* Loss of consciousness
* Falling or difficulty walking
* Numbness or tingling
* Chest pain or rapid or slow heart rate
These signs and symptoms may signal a more serious problem, such as stroke, brain tumor, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis or cardiovascular disease.
* Brain tumor
* Multiple sclerosis
* Stroke
* Tinnitus
Screening and diagnosis
Your doctor will likely ask you a number of questions about your dizziness. In trying to determine the cause, your doctor may ask if your dizziness:
*
Causes the room to spin or a sensation of motion
*
Is associated with a feeling of faintness or lightheadedness
*
Causes you to lose your balance
*
Is accompanied by ringing or fullness in your ears (tinnitus) or trouble hearing
Your doctor will want to know what medications you're taking. He or she will also ask you when you experience dizziness, how long it lasts and how often it occurs. Your doctor can narrow down possible causes of dizziness after determining the type of dizziness you're experiencing, reviewing your medical history and current medications, conducting a physical examination, and ordering further testing based on your signs and symptoms.
Doctors can usually determine the cause of dizziness. It may require a consultation with an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist or a neurologist. But even if no cause is found or if your dizziness persists, prescription drugs and other treatments may make your symptoms more manageable.
