Balance symptom assessment
Dizziness can mean spinning, light-headedness, unsteadiness or a feeling of movement. Causes may involve the inner ear, circulation, medicines, hydration, the nervous system or other health conditions; not all dizziness comes from the brain or spine.
Different forms and possible causes
The timing, triggers, hearing symptoms, headache, medicines and accompanying neurological symptoms help distinguish possible causes. A single symptom description cannot provide a diagnosis.
Evaluation
Assessment may include blood pressure, eye movements, coordination, walking, hearing-related history and neurological examination. Tests, imaging or referral are chosen from the findings.
Treatment and referral
Treatment depends on the cause and may involve primary care, ENT, neurology, cardiology, rehabilitation or another specialty. Neurosurgical assessment is appropriate only when structural brain or spine disease is suspected or identified.
Consultation and next steps
Assessment is used to understand the symptom pattern, identify warning signs and decide whether tests, non-surgical care, referral or a surgical opinion may be appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
No. Inner-ear, circulation, medicine-related and other causes are common. Assessment guides the correct referral pathway.
Sudden dizziness with stroke signs, inability to walk, fainting, chest pain, seizure or loss of consciousness needs urgent assessment.