Dizziness is a common complaint and has a very broad list of possible underlying causes. Dizziness is a nonspecific term which can mean true vertigo, light-headedness, weakness (neurological impairment), unsteadiness, feeling faint (presyncope), funny turns, visual disturbance, or a psychological problem.
• Actions that provoke symptoms may include:
• Change in posture (suggests postural hypotension).
• Movement of the head or neck (suggests vertigo from any cause, cervical spondylosis or vertebral artery syndrome).
• Feeling anxious (may indicate hyperventilation).
• Syncope.
• Features suggestive of epilepsy, which need to be considered.
• Falls: refer elderly patients to a geriatrician.