Dizziness refers to a range of symptoms, including lightheadedness, vertigo (spinning) or unsteadiness. These can have different causes, such as cardiovascular issues, vestibular disorders, medications or neurological conditions. Your balance system relies on the vestibular system, which includes sensory organs in your inner ear that help you maintain your sense of balance, along with your vision and the central nervous system working together.
At this clinic, the focus is on assessing your vestibular system. Causes of vestibular problems include head trauma, viruses affecting the inner ear, certain medications, genetic conditions and disorders like Meniere’s disease (an inner-ear condition).
Below are categories of symptoms that can help describe dizziness. You may experience symptoms from multiple categories.
Category 1: Lightheadedness
A patient might say: “I feel lightheaded, almost as if I am going to faint sometimes. This happens when I change positions or exert myself.”
Possible causes: Cardiovascular conditions or certain medications
Category 2: Spinning, Tumbling and Turning
A patient might say: “I feel like the room is spinning, or I am spinning. This can happen if I get up, lie down, roll over in bed or turn my head.”
Possible cause: Vestibular dysfunction
Category 3: Loss of Coordination/Balance
A patient might say: “I have trouble walking straight or feel like I’m leaning to one side. I don’t feel steady on my feet anymore.”
Possible cause: Poor communication between your vestibular system and the central nervous system