Dizziness: Check Your Symptoms and Signs With the Symptom Checker by MedicineNet.com

Dizziness Symptoms

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Medical Author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

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Symptoms & Signs

Dizziness is a painless head discomfort with many possible causes including disturbances of vision, the brain, balance (vestibular) system of the inner ear, and gastrointestinal system. Dizziness is a medically indistinct term which laypersons use to describe a variety of conditions such as lightheadedness, unsteadiness, and vertigo.

Health concern on your mind? Visit the Symptom Checker.

REFERENCE:

Fauci, Anthony S., et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.

Main Article on Dizziness

Dizziness (Dizzy) Dizziness is a symptom that is often applies to a variety of sensations including lightheadedness and vertigo. Causes of...learn more »
Terms related to Dizziness:
- Balance
- Dizzy
- Equilibrium
- Loss Of Balance
- Unsteadiness
- Woozy

Causes of Dizziness

Anemia Anemia is the condition of having less than the normal number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin...learn more »
In This Article
Anemia Article
- Anemia facts*
- What is anemia?
- What causes anemia?
- Can inadequate iron cause anemia?
- What about acute (sudden) blood loss as a cause of anemia?
- What are other causes of anemia?
- Can anemia be hereditary?
- What are the symptoms of anemia?
- How is anemia diagnosed?
- What is a complete blood cell (CBC) count?
- How is blood collected for a complete blood cell (CBC)?
- What is the red blood cell (RBC) count?
- What is hemoglobin?
- What does a low hemoglobin level mean?
- What is the hematocrit?
- How is hematocrit determined?
- How is anemia treated?
- What are the complications of anemia?
- What is the outlook (prognosis) for anemia?
Brain Tumor A brain tumor can be either benign (non cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), primary, or secondary. Causes and risk factors...learn more »
In This Article
Brain Tumor Article
- Brain tumor facts*
- What is the brain?
- What are the tumor grades and types?
- Tumor grade
- Types of primary brain tumors
- What are the risk factors for brain tumors?
- What are the symptoms of a brain tumor?
- How are brain tumors diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for a brain tumor?
- What type of surgery is available for brain tumors?
- Radiation therapy for brain tumors
- Chemotherapy for brain tumors
- What about a second opinion for brain tumor treatment?
- Nutrition during brain tumor treatment
- What supportive care is available for patients and caregivers?
- What about rehabilitation after brain tumor treatment?
- What about follow-up care after brain tumor treatment?
- Sources of support
- Taking part in cancer research
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Cardiomyopathy (Dilated) Article
- What Is dilated cardiomyopathy?
- What are the symptoms of Dilated Cardiomyopathy?
- What causes Dilated Cardiomyopathy?
- How is Dilated Cardiomyopathy diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for Dilated Cardiomyopathy?
- What surgeries are used to treat Dilated Cardiomyopathy?
Chest Pain Chest pain is a common complaint by a patient in the ER. Causes of chest pain include broken or bruised ribs, pleurisy,...learn more »
In This Article
Chest Pain Article
- Chest pain facts
- Chest pain introduction
- What are the sources of chest pain?
- What are the causes of chest pain?
- How is chest pain diagnosed?
- What is the philosophy of the approach to chest pain diagnosis?
- What is the diagnosis and treatment for chest pain?
- Broken or bruised ribs
- Costochondritis
- Pleuritis or pleurisy
- Pneumothorax
- Shingles
- Pneumonia
- Pulmonary embolism
- Angina and heart attack (myocardial infarction)
- Pericarditis
- Aorta and aortic dissection
- Esophagus and reflux esophagitis
- Referred abdominal pain
Concussion Concussion is a short-lived loss of brain function that is due to head trauma. There are two types of concussion, simple and...learn more »
In This Article
Concussion Article
- What is concussion and what causes concussion?
- What are the types of concussion?
- What are the signs and symptoms of concussion?
- How is concussion diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for concussion?
- How can concussion be prevented?
- What is the future of concussion?
Ear Infection (Otitis Media) Middle ear infection or inflammation (otitis media) is inflammation fo the middle ear. There are two types of otitis media, acute...learn more »
In This Article
Ear Infection (Otitis Media) Article
- Otitis media (ear infection or inflammation) facts
- What is otitis media?
- What are the symptoms of acute middle ear infection?
- "Are ear infections contagious?
- How common is acute otitis media?
- Why do young children tend to have middle ear infections or inflammation?
- How does the Eustachian tube change as a child gets older?
- What microorganisms cause otitis media?
- What is the relationship between bottlefeeding and middle ear infection or inflammation?
- What are the risk factors for acute middle ear infection or inflammation?
- How is otitis media diagnosed?
- How is acute middle ear infection or inflammation treated?
- Are there any home remedies for acute ear infection (otitis media)?
- What causes chronic middle ear infection or inflammation?
- What happens to the eardrum in chronic middle ear infection or inflammation?
- What happens to the eardrum if a hole develops in the eardrum?
- How is chronic middle ear infection or inflammation treated?
- What are the goals of otitis media surgery?
- What is serious middle ear infection or inflammation?
- What limitations are there on a child with middle ear infection or inflammation?
- Can otitis media (middle ear infection or inflammation) be prevented?
Fainting (Syncope) Fainting, also referred to as blacking out, syncope, or temporary loss of consciousness has many causes. Often a person will have...learn more »
In This Article
Fainting (Syncope) Article
- Introduction to fainting (syncope)
- What causes fainting (syncope)?
- Heart rhythm changes
- Heart structural conditions
- Heart valve conditions
- Sudden cardiac death
- Postural hypotension
- Vasovagal syncope
- Anemia
- Dehydration
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Vertebrobasilar system
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Other medications and drugs
- Pregnancy
- What are the signs and symptoms of fainting (syncope)?
- How is fainting (syncope) diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for fainting (syncope)?
- Can fainting (syncope) be prevented?
- Fainting (Syncope) At A Glance
Hantavirus Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a disease transmitted by rodents. Symptoms include fever and muscle pain. HPS can be...learn more »
In This Article
Hantavirus Article
- Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) facts
- What is hantavirus?
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- What are risk factors for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome?
- What are complications of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome?
- What is the prognosis of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome?
- Can hantavirus pulmonary syndrome be prevented?
- Where can people get more information on hantavirus pulmonary syndrome?
Hearing Loss Hearing loss (deafness) may be present at birth or it may manifest later in life. Deafness may be genetic or due to damage from...learn more »
In This Article
Hearing Loss Article
- What are forms of hearing loss?
- What are the types of hearing loss?
- What are the symptoms of hearing loss?
- What is the treatment for hearing loss?
Heart Attack Treatment A heart attack involves damage or death of part of the heart muscle due to a blood clot. The aim of heart attack treatment is to...learn more »
In This Article
Heart Attack Treatment Article
- What is a heart attack?
- How is a heart attack treated?
- Antiplatelet agents
- Aspirin
- Thienopyridines
- Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors
- Anticoagulants
- Clot-dissolving drugs
- Coronary angiography and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA)
- Coronary artery stents
- Nitrates
- Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- Beta blockers
- Oxygen
- Coronary artery bypass
- What can a patient expect during recovery from a heart attack?
- How can a second heart attack be prevented?
High Blood Pressure High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a repeatedly elevated blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90 mmHg -- a...learn more »
In This Article
High Blood Pressure Article
- High blood pressure facts
- What is high blood pressure?
- How is the blood pressure measured?
- How is blood pressure defined?
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- Isolated systolic high blood pressure
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- The metabolic syndrome and obesity
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- Renal (kidney) hypertension
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- What is the treatment for high blood pressure?
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In This Article
Jet Lag Article
- What is jet lag?
- What are other symptoms and signs of jet lag?
- What is a time zone?
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- How does the body keep time?
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In This Article
Low Blood Pressure Article
- Low blood pressure facts
- What is low blood pressure?
- How is blood pressure generated?
- How does the body maintain normal blood pressure?
- Is low blood pressure bad for your health?
- What are low blood pressure signs and symptoms?
- What are the causes of low blood pressure?
- How is low blood pressure diagnosed and evaluated?
- What is the treatment for low blood pressure?
Meniere's Disease Meniere disease (idiopathic endolymphatic hydrops) is an inner ear disorder with symptoms that include vertigo, tinnitus, hearing...learn more »
In This Article
Meniere's Disease Article
- What is Meniere's disease?
- What causes Meniere's disease?
- What are the symptoms of Meniere's disease?
- How is Meniere's disease diagnosed?
- How can Meniere's disease be treated?
- Meniere's Disease At A Glance
Migraine Migraine is usually periodic attacks of headaches on one or both sides of the head. These may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting,...learn more »
In This Article
Migraine Article
- What is a migraine headache?
- What are the symptoms of migraine headaches?
- What are some of the variants of migraine headaches?
- How is a migraine headache diagnosed?
- How are migraine headaches treated?
- What is the treatment for moderate to severe migraine headaches?
- What other medications are used for treating migraine headaches?
- How are migraine headaches prevented?
- What are migraine triggers?
- What should migraine sufferers do?
- What are prophylactic medications for migraine headaches?
- What is the proper way to use preventive medications?
- What is the treatment for menstrual migraine?
- Conclusions
Motion Sickness Motion sickness, often referred to as car sickness, sea sickness, or air sickness, is a very common disturbance of the inner ear...learn more »
In This Article
Motion Sickness Article
- Motion sickness facts
- What is motion sickness?
- What causes motion sickness?
- What are the symptoms of motion sickness?
- Is there a difference between motion sickness and sea sickness?
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- Related motion sickness article:
  Motion Sickness - on eMedicineHealth
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In This Article
Neck Pain Article
- What is neck pain? What are causes and risk factors for neck pain?
- What are other symptoms that are associated with neck pain?
- What are the structures of the neck?
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In This Article
POT Syndrome Article
- What is postural tachycardia syndrome?
- Is there any treatment?
- What is the prognosis?
- What research is being done?
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In This Article
Sick Building Syndrome Article
- What is sick building syndrome, or multiple chemical sensitivity?
- Why is sick building syndrome controversial?
- How common is sick building syndrome?
- What causes sick building syndrome?
- How is sick building syndrome diagnosed and treated?
- Sick building syndrome and working with a doctor
Stroke A stroke results from impaired oxygen delivery to brain cells via the bloodstream. A stroke is also referred to as a CVA, or...learn more »
In This Article
Stroke Article
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In This Article
Teen Drug Abuse Article
- Teen drug abuse facts
- What drugs are abused by teenagers?
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- What are the dangerous effects of drug use in teens?
- How can parents prevent drug use?
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In This Article
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) Article
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders facts
- What is the temporomandibular joint?
- What are TMJ disorders, and what are causes of TMJ disorders?
- What are common TMJ symptoms?
- How are patients evaluated and diagnosed when TMJ problems are suspected?
- What is the treatment for TMJ disorders?
- What is the prognosis (outlook) of TMJ disorder?
- Can TMJ problems be prevented?
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In This Article
Vertigo Article
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- What is vertigo?
- What are the causes of vertigo?
- What are the symptoms of vertigo?
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- How is vertigo treated?
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