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 more specific with your symptoms and 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).
BE SPECIFIC = "DIZZY" IS NOT SPECIFIC:
Here are some descriptions of dizziness. It is possible to have more than one symptom, lasting different lengths of time.
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.
Contact Vestibular Therapy Specialists if you have more questions or for more information.