Page Contents
OVERVIEW
This page is designed to organize content that is relevant to the topic of lightheadedness. This term is used often in medicine, and it is important that we become as familiar as possible with it.
WHAT EXACTLY IS IT?
Before going any farther, let us make sure we clearly define the “medical problem”. Lightheadedness is a self descriptive condition, that should be distinguished from vertigo.
WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?
Lightheadedness can be the sign of a more serious underlying etiology.
ORGANIZING THE DIFFERENTIAL
The differential diagnosis for lightheadedness can be organized in a few different ways:
- Can’t miss diagnosis
- Organ systen
- Disease category
- Diagnostic modality
- Most common diagnosis
CLINICAL “WORKUP”
Now that the possible causes of lightheadedness have been established, the focus can shift to how one would actually “work-up” a patient who presents with lightheadedness.
- Collecting the history
- Performing the physical
- Ordering studies/tests
- Intrepreting clinical data
TREATMENT
The treatment of lightheadedness may vary depending on the etiology of the condition, and is elaborated upon more below:
- Overview of treatments
Page Updated: 12.13.2016