Dizziness, lightheadedness, vertigo and feeling faint all describe a particular feeling that involves a person's balance and equilibrium. They all can have different causes and may occur at different times, while active or at rest. Diagnosing dizziness can be tricky, but being able to describe the symptoms and when you feel them can help your doctors determine the cause of your condition.
Step 1
Keep a journal of your symptoms and bring it to your doctor's appointment so you can accurately describe your experiences. Write down whether you feel dizzy when sitting, lying down or standing; what time of day you experience symptoms; and if you have eaten anything within two hours of feeling dizzy. Describe if you feel like you are losing balance or if the room is spinning around. Record how long each episode lasts.
Step 2
Notice if you experience other symptoms in addition to dizziness. Some people have tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or see spots in front of their eyes while feeling unsteady. These symptoms can help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis.
Step 3
Expect your doctor to examine your ears and eyes and take your blood pressure . Inner ear infections can cause a person to feel dizzy and unbalanced. Low blood pressure may cause lightheadedness when you stand up quickly. Unusual or abnormal eye movements may contribute to vertigo, a form of dizziness.
Step 4
Undergo testing for heart problems that may be causing you to feel dizzy. Your doctor may order an electrocardiogram (ECG) or a Holter monitor test to measure your heart function if other causes of dizziness have been ruled out. CT scans and other imaging tools may be used if dizziness is suspected as the result of a stroke.
Things You'll Need
- Journal
- ECG or Holter monitor tests
