Dizziness overview
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief: M.Umer Tariq [2]; Vendhan Ramanujam M.B.B.S [3]
Overview
Dizziness is a common but vague symptom. A wide variety of symptoms are often referred to as dizziness.
Causes
Being a vague term, it includes several causes from various sensations like vertigo, presyncope, disequilibrium and psychogenic dizziness.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Dizziness is the most common nonpain symptom following fatigue in clinic and community populations[1]. It is also one of the most common complaints in ambulatory care, accounting for nearly 8 million outpatient visits annually in the United States[2].
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Most causes of dizziness are not serious and either quickly get better on their own or are easily treated.
Primary Prevention
Promptly treat ear infections, colds, flu, sinus congestion, and other respiratory infections. This may help prevent labyrinthitis and Meniere's disease. If you have a cold, the flu, or other viral illness, drink plenty of fluids to prevent getting dehydrated.
References
- ↑ Kroenke, K.; Arrington, ME.; Mangelsdorff, AD. (1990). "The prevalence of symptoms in medical outpatients and the adequacy of therapy". Arch Intern Med. 150 (8): 1685–9. PMID 2383163. Unknown parameter
|month=ignored (help) - ↑ Sloane, PD.; Dallara, J.; Roach, C.; Bailey, KE.; Mitchell, M.; McNutt, R. "Management of dizziness in primary care". J Am Board Fam Pract. 7 (1): 1–8. PMID 8135132.