Assessment of the dizzy patient.
BACKGROUND
Dizziness is a very common complaint in the community, especially among the elderly. The lack of objective measures of the condition can create difficulties in diagnosis and management.


OBJECTIVE
This article aims to provide a framework for the assessment of the patient presenting with dizziness. The framework will provide a systematic means of obtaining a diagnosis and formulating a management plan.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite the high prevalence of dizziness in the community many patients continue to have symptoms that are inadequately controlled. A systematic approach in the assessment of these patients, in particular a thorough history and examination will often provide a clear direction as to the diagnosis and most appropriate management.
Matt
M
Byrne
D015984:Causality; D004244:Dizziness / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D010808:Physical Examination; D012017:Referral and Consultation