[Vertigo and dizziness]

Abstract

Dizziness ranks among the most common complaints in medicine, affecting approximately 20% to 30% of the general population. However, the term dizziness encompasses a variety of different sensations each points in distinct diagnostic direction: rotational vertigo or other illusory sensation of motion indicates vestibular origin, whereas a sensation of light-headedness, giddiness, unsteadiness, drowsiness, or impending faint implies nonvestibular origin. Of patients older than 60 years, 20% have experienced dizziness severe enough to affect their daily activities. This article gives an overview of the historical and physical findings that help guiding to more specific diagnosis of vertigo and dizziness.