Assessment of the dizzy patient

Dizziness is a very common complaint in the community, especially among the elderly. The lack of objective measures of the condition can create difficulties in diagnosis and management.

This article aims to provide a framework for the assessment of the patient presenting with dizziness. The framework will provide a systematic means of obtaining a diagnosis and formulating a management plan.

Despite the high prevalence of dizziness in the community many patients continue to have symptoms that are inadequately controlled. A systematic approach in the assessment of these patients, in particular a thorough history and examination will often provide a clear direction as to the diagnosis and most appropriate management.