Dizziness (Diagnosis)

How can dizziness and associated conditions be diagnosed?

It is important to consult a doctor when the condition lasts a long time and occurs in regular intervals. A timely diagnosis can help understand the cause and help prevent any further damage.

The diagnosis depends on a multitude of factors, and some are mentioned below.

Information

Doctor will need accurate information regarding a lot of factors, including:

• Medication being consumed, if any

• Frequency of dizziness

• The duration of dizziness

• Any other accompanying symptoms, if any

• The time of occurrence and if it is related to any particular activity

Physical Tests

Doctors may run a bunch of physical tests to understand the following conditions.

• If there is any weakness in the body

• Any problem during walking

• To check for involuntary eye movements or any related problems

• Hearing loss

• Lack of balance and co-ordination

• Blood pressure check

• Blood test to see any factors that might cause dizziness

Imaging Tests

The doctor may order a CT or MRI of the brain if he thinks the cause is within the brain. Moreover, there are some risk factors that further support the imaging examination. These are:

• Older age

• Male sex

• Diabetes

• Hypertension

• Heart disease such as coronary artery disease or atrial fibrillation

• Head injury

The imaging tests can detect the conditions such as cerebellar bleed, cerebellar infarct, tumor of the nerve to inner ear, injury, multiple sclerosis, etc.

MRI of the cervical spine is also advised to check for cervical spondylosis and changes in spinal cord (myelopathy).

Blood tests

• Blood glucose test- finger stick test

• Blood count

• Blood chemistry

Apart from these standard procedures, in case the doctors find anything suspicious, there is a good chance that one might have to undergo certain specific tests to detect any underlying conditions related to dizziness or vertigo.