Dizziness is a subjective sensation that cannot be directly measured;
therefore it is one of the most complex issues to assess.
Dizziness also is one of the most common patient complaints
seen in emergency ambulatory care and clinical settings.
Dizziness represents many separate overlapping sensations
that can be caused by a multitude of different physiological processes.
Evaluation and treatment of patients with dizziness is dependent upon your determined type of dizziness. To determine your dizziness type, a detailed case history and full audiologic exam is obtained in order to determine the type of dizziness you have prior to initiating further workup.
True Vertigo Versus Other Types of Dizziness
While the description alone cannot make this important distinction
between vertigo and other forms of dizziness, there are certain terms associated with the description of different forms of dizziness.
→ a sensation of spinning accompanied by
nystagmus (jerking eye movements).
Reported as a sensation that the
environment around them is moving.
Nonvestibular
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Symptoms described as:
“The room is spinning”, tinnitus, hearing loss, nausea, and vomiting.
Symptom duration: episodic, short episodes, intermittent
Triggers: head movements, body movements
→ a spinning sensation inside the head;
without nystagmus. Room does not spin.
Reported as a sensation of motion sickness
and feeling off balance, as though leaning to one side.
Symptoms described as:
“lightheaded . . . floating . . . swimming . . . swaying . . . giddiness ”
Symptom duration: continuous, all day, constant
Triggers: targets moving in front of your visual field,
specific situations such as driving in traffic,
or shopping in a supermarket (moving past colorful aisles).
ENT Associates strives to provide the highest caliber evidenced-based, diagnostic and treatment services in a caring, compassionate and cost-effective manner.