“Dizziness” can describe spinning, light-headedness, imbalance, floating sensations or near-fainting. Explaining the exact feeling helps narrow the possible causes.
Questions to think about
- Does the room feel as if it is spinning?
- Do symptoms start when turning in bed or looking up?
- Is there hearing loss, ringing or ear fullness?
- Do you feel faint when standing?
- Is there double vision, weakness or severe imbalance?
Common patterns
Some forms of positional vertigo are brief and triggered by head movement. Other causes may involve the inner ear, blood pressure, medicines, migraine or the nervous system.
When urgent assessment is important
New severe dizziness with difficulty walking, double vision, weakness, facial droop, severe headache or speech difficulty needs urgent medical assessment.
How a neurologist evaluates dizziness
Assessment may include eye movements, balance, coordination, hearing-related history, blood pressure and a detailed neurological examination. Tests are chosen based on the clinical pattern.
Discuss your symptoms with a neurologist.
Bring your symptom timeline, current medicines and any previous reports to make your consultation more useful.