MedPix® Medical Image Database - Print -
Print Date: May 26, 2013, 3:02 am
TitleDizziness, vertigo, light headed, black-out, falling out
TextDizziness, vertigo, light headedness, falling out, passing out, losing consciousness - all of these are similar feelings, but they can have vastly different causes and implications.

Some of the more important questions:
Spinning sensation (vertigo, vestibular ear or brainstem)
Weakness/tired sensation (BP, cardiac arrhythmia, ischemia, stroke)
Blacking out (seizure, etc)

The work up of these symptoms and signs is guided by the evaluation of vestibular dysfunction vs. alteration in consciousness, etc. (SEE BELOW)

Classic Histories
Dizzy in the morning (orthostatic hypotension)
Dizzy w/diplopia (brainstem, ischemia?)
Dizzy, nausea, and face/hand Sx (PICA ischemia/infarct)
References:; Accepted by jsmirnio; Accepted by jsmirnio; Accepted by jsmirnio
ContributorJames G. Smirniotopoulos, M.D. (Uniformed Services University)
Peer ReviewerApproval is Pending
Record Number : 887
Created2000-04-08 13:56:01-04
Modified2000-04-09 18:53:59-04
Category:Clinical Exam Finding or Sign
Location:Brain and Neuro
Sublocation:None Selected
MedPix® Medical Image Database
Content Text and Images may be Copyright © 1999 - 2006 by the Original Contributors
MedPix® is a Registered Trademark of USUHS
The MedPix® Database Engine is Patented - USPTO No. 7,080,098
Portions of MedPix® are Copyright © 1999 - 2013 by J.G. Smirniotopoulos, M.D. & H. Irvine, M.D.
The MedPix® Classification Schema Copyright © 1999 - 2013 by J.G.Smirniotopoulos,M.D.
The MedPix® Classification Schema copyright © 1999-2004 by J.G.Smirniotopoulos,M.D.