LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Dizziness
built 631 days ago
Dizziness is a common complaint in the medical environment. It is the third most common symptom presentation (combined with imbalance and falls) for outpatient medical consultation, behind chest pain and fatigue. In the adult population, 42% report dizziness at some time1. Dizziness is common in all age groups; ... its frequency does increase with age. Dizziness and related vestibular symptoms account for the number one reason for visiting the doctor after age 75. Prevalence rates vary depending on the patient's age and the cause of the dizziness.
Source:
Dizziness is a symptom, which may be defined as a sensation of unsteadiness or imbalance, a disorientation in relation to an individual’s surroundings. The symptom of dizziness may vary widely from person to person and be caused by many different diseases. It varies from a mild unsteadiness to a severe whirling sensation known as vertigo. Because there is little representation of the balance system in the conscious mind, it is not unusual for it to be difficult for patients to describe their symptom of dizziness to the physician. In addition, because the symptom of dizziness varies so widely from patient to patient and may be caused by many different diseases, the physician commonly requires extensive testing to be able to provide the patient with some knowledge about the cause of their dizziness. This booklet is designed to provide the patient with information regarding possible causes of dizziness and their treatment.
Source:
Dizziness is often episodic. In other words, the patient experiences bouts (or "spells") of dizziness and is relatively well between bouts. Often, the circumstances and symptoms of the very first bout can be revealing. These details can be very helpful in enabling your doctor to establish a diagnosis. You should try to describe this first bout to your physician in as much detail as possible. The following are particularly important details:
Source:
Dizziness may occur when the brain gets wrong or conflicting information about the body's position in relation to the surroundings and to the body's movements. Several parts of the body provide this information. They include the eyes, a structure in the inner ear (called the vestibular labyrinth), and the nerves that carry information from large joints (in the neck, hips, knees, and ankles) to the brain. The brain constantly uses information from these body parts to direct the activities of muscles and joints so that balance and stability are maintained. When the body cannot maintain balance and stability, dizziness sometimes occurs.
Source:
Dizziness can be described in many ways, such as feeling lightheaded, unsteady, or giddy. Vertigo is a type of dizziness experienced as an illusion of movement of self or the environment and is usually unpleasant. Others experience dizziness associated with motion sickness, a nauseating feeling brought on by the motion of riding in an airplane, on a roller coaster, or aboard a boat. Dizziness, vertigo, and motion sickness all relate to the sense of balance and equilibrium. Your sense of balance is maintained by a complex interaction of the following parts of the nervous system:
Source:
Dizziness is common in older adults and has diverse causes. The diagnostic process must distinguish between otologic, central, medical, and psychogenic etiologies. Furthermore, in a substantial fraction of patients, a clear etiology may not be determined. Medications must be used with greater caution in older adults as they may be more sensitive to side effects. Vestibular physical therapy is often helpful and should be utilized in many situations.
Source:
MORE ABOUT
Dizziness