Is Dizziness Indicative Of Vertigo?

Posted on Sun, 4 Dec 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 4 Dec 2016 Answered on

Sat, 31 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : How do I know if I feel dizzy if its vertigo ?

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Information on dizziness.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

This is a good question.

The term dizziness is used to mean too separate things:

Light headedness which is when you feel like you might pass out such as if you get up from a sitting to standing position too quickly.

Vertigo which is when you have the sensation that the room is spinning. It looks like the room is spinning.

Light headedness can be caused by low blood pressure, orthostatic hypotension (the blood pressure doesn't rise adequately when going from lying down or sitting to standing, from dehydration, fever, blood loss, and some medications.

Vertigo can be caused by a number of different things as well, but the most common cause is BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo). You turn or tip your head to one side and the room spins violently.

There are certain maneuvers you can try for BPPV and if you think this applies to you, I'll send you a link for them.

I hope this information answers your question. Please let me know if I can help further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (2 hours later)

Don't feel room is spinning more like lightheaded. Status in chemo treatments stopped smoking 10 days feet ankles leg swell en

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (54 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
It's possible that the medications are causing light headedness.

Heart problems can also cause light headedness. I am concerned about the combination of new light headedness, and ankle/leg swelling. I highly recommend that you call the doctor on call for the oncologist, and discuss that you are having light headedness plus "pedal edema" and that this is new for you and is following a round of chemotherapy. He or she may want you to be seen in the ER to have an EKG and be examined.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (51 minutes later)

Thank you doctor, I was in a hospital just before thanksgiving had heart monitor 24/7 eco ekg and oncologist is well aware of all of this. Thanks again have a good evening XXXXX

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Have a good night.

Detailed Answer:
If it is a new symptom though, best to let your doctor know.

Best regards,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar