title: Dizziness.
abstract: Dizziness is a common but difficult symptom to evaluate because, due to its subjective nature, it is virtually impossible to measure objectively. In essence, dizziness means different things to different people. The most useful historical information is the patient's own description of the dizziness, its characterization, and the effects of position on the patient's symptoms. After taking a detailed history, the clinician should perform a thorough physical examination with emphasis on determining whether the dizziness is vestibular or nonvestibular in origin. Patient disposition is determined by the prognosis of the underlying cause and the presence of support mechanisms.
authors.affiliation: Section of Emergency Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, USA.
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.forename: S B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Barnes
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004244:Dizziness / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking / Q000379:methods; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods; D012307:Risk Factors