DESCRIBE YOUR "DIZZINESS"

Dizziness is a symptom, not a condition. There are many ways to describe dizziness and there can be several causes of dizziness.

Being specific with your symptoms & tracking them is important:

Make a journal or log on your phone calendar when symptoms occur (imbalance vs. lightheaded vs. vertigo, etc), how long they last (seconds, minutes, hours, days, etc) and what makes them better/worse (closing your eyes, lack of sleep, rolling in bed, turning your head, etc).

"Dizzy" is not specific

It is normal to feel like it is difficult to describe what you are feeling, especially if the symptoms are new to you. The symptoms are real, and it can be helpful to providers if you can explain what you are feeling. It is possible to have more than one symptom, lasting different lengths of time. Here are some descriptions of dizziness:

Vertigo

The perception of movement or whirling, either of the self or surrounding object, that is not occurring or is occurring differently from how it is perceived.

Disequilibrium

Loss of equilibrium, often accompanied by disorientation most often after head movement.

Imbalance

Feeling unsteady, loss of balance for example when standing or walking.

Headache

A pain in the head with the pain being above the eyes or ears, behind the head or back of the upper neck.

Brain Fog/Foggy Headedness

Cognitive dysfunction involving: memory problems. Lack of mental clarity.

Spatial Disorientation

A sensation of not knowing where one’s body is in relation to the vertical and horizontal planes.

Heavy Headed

Feeling like you can't hold your head up, or a tight band around your head. A feeling of disconnect from head and body.

Lightheadedness

Feeling like one may faint, may feel like head is weightless.

Nausea

A feeling of sickness with an inclination to vomit.

Hearing Loss/Hearing Impairment

Is a partial or total inability to hear. It may occur in one or both ears.

Understanding patterns of your symptoms can help to manage your symptoms, find triggers and help providers understand your condition to give efficient care. Tracking symptoms for a few weeks is key to understanding the big picture. Even when you are feeling good, track that so you know what things will continue to make you feel better.