Taking history for vertigo and dizziness - a practical approach

Abstract

Vertigo and dizziness are among the most frequent presenting symptoms, not only in neurology, but also in ENT and internal medicine clinics. Vertigo is a spinning sensation or the feeling that the surroundings are spinning. Floating sensation, lightheadiness, forward, backward – and sideward fall sensation, walking instability, gait hesitation or unsteadiness are other type of dizziness. Several clinical pictures of different etiologies include vertigo and dizziness as underlying complaint. Diagnosis should be based on clinical history and neurotological evaluation. A common perspective of neurologists, ENT doctors and general medicine physicians is needed for a better diagnosis and treatment of vertigo and dizziness patients.

Keywords

• vertigo
• dizziness