Dizziness is the sensation of disturbed spatial orientation without a distorted sense of motion.[1] Patients may use the term to indicate lightheadedness, imbalance (disequilibrium), presyncope, or vertigo. These symptom types overlap substantially and patients most often report feeling off-balance or unsteady. Over 60% of patients experience more than one type of dizziness.[2]
Dizziness is a common symptom: the prevalence in the general population ranges from 15% to 30%, and approaches 50% for patients age over 85 years.[2] [3] [4] Dizziness accounts for approximately 2% to 5% of emergency department and unselected outpatient visits, and up to 8% of primary care visits.[5] [6][7]
The etiology is diverse and includes vestibular, cardiovascular, neurologic, and psychogenic causes.[6] A detailed history, paying particular attention to timing and triggers of the patient's symptoms, will narrow down the differential diagnosis, which can be confirmed with clinical exam and, if needed, further investigations.
