Approach to the evaluation of the dizzy patient

Dizziness is a nonspecific symptom caused by many different pathophysiologic mechanisms. Vertigo, an illusion of movement, indicates a lesion within the vestibular system. The duration of attacks and associated symptoms helps to determine the site of lesion and likely diagnosis. Examination of the dizzy patient should include a careful assessment of gait and balance and a search for spontaneous and positional nystagmus. The vestibulo-ocular reflex can be evaluated qualitatively at the bedside with the doll's eye, dynamic visual acuity, and ice water caloric tests. Each test provides different information about vestibular function.