The dizzy patient

Abstract

In this article, Dr Hanson tackles a complaint that physicians are often called on to evaluate but often dread. Dizziness can have many causes because the biologic systems that maintain equilibrium are so complex. When is dizziness true vertigo? Which tests reliably differentiate benign from more serious causes? Should drugs be given and, if so, for how long? Dr Hanson's answers to these and other questions about dizziness should dispel some of the dread surrounding this frequent and enigmatic complaint.