Dizziness Management Guidelines

Understanding and Describing Dizziness

Patients should be educated about the differences between true vertigo, lightheadedness, disequilibrium, and other forms of dizziness to help with accurate symptom reporting, as recommended by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2, 3
The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery explains that vertigo specifically refers to a false sensation of self-motion or that the visual surroundings are spinning or flowing, which is distinct from vague dizziness 2
According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, dizziness is defined as the sensation of disturbed spatial orientation without a false sense of motion 2

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery recommends that patients keep a journal of dizziness episodes, documenting frequency, duration, triggers, associated symptoms, and severity of episodes 4
The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery advises counseling patients about increased fall risk associated with dizziness, particularly in elderly patients, and providing home safety assessment recommendations 5
Patients with orthostatic dizziness should change positions slowly, stay hydrated, and avoid prolonged standing, as suggested by the European Society of Cardiology 8

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery explains that Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is caused by displaced calcium crystals in the inner ear, and describes typical symptoms and treatment options, including canalith repositioning procedures 5
The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery educates about Ménière's disease, an inner ear disorder characterized by episodes of vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear fullness, and discusses typical episode duration and potential causes 4, 6

The American College of Physicians recommends against long-term use of vestibular suppressant medications, as they can interfere with natural balance recovery, and explains that medications should generally be used only for acute symptom management 1
The American College of Physicians emphasizes the benefits of vestibular rehabilitation exercises, including improved balance, reduced fall risk, and promotion of central compensation mechanisms 1

Patients with vestibular disorders should maintain regular physical activity to promote compensation and avoid triggers that worsen symptoms when possible, as recommended by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 1, 5
The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery teaches patients to sit or lie down immediately when feeling dizzy, use assistive devices if balance is affected, and avoid driving during acute episodes of dizziness 5