Talking with the Doctor
Talking with the Doctor
Consult Your Doctor for Proper Diagnosis & Treatment
A clear description of symptoms will help doctors make a diagnosis. What information about vertigo should I tell my doctor?
How long does the vertigo attack lasts?
– Seconds to minutes
– Minutes to hours
– Days to weeks
– Months to years
Describe your vertigo attack.
– Is it spinning?
– Do you feel you are losing balance?
– Can you identify what triggers the attack if any?
– Did you get a vertigo attack while just sitting?
– Did coughing, lifting heavy weights or changes in position trigger the attack?
– Do you feel dizzy while sitting or lying down?
– Do you feel dizzy after getting up?
Besides vertigo what other symptoms do you experience?
– Do you have ringing of the ears?
– Do you also suffer from headache?
– Are you extra sensitive to light or sound?
– Are you experiencing double vision?
– Do you feel weakness in some parts of the body?
Effects on Emotions
How has vertigo affected your feelings?
Because of vertigo… (Answer Yes or No)
– I feel frustrated.
– I am afraid to leave home without having someone accompany me.
– I have been embarrassed in front of others.
– I am afraid people may think I’m intoxicated.
– I find it difficult to concentrate.
– I am afraid to stay home alone.
– I feel handicapped.
– I has placed stress on my relationship with my family and friends.
– I am depressed.
(Jacobson GP, Newman C. The Development of Dizziness Handicap Inventory. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1990; 116:424-427)
You are not alone in this journey. Talk to a friend, loved one and your doctor.
Have you felt down because of vertigo?
- During the past month, have you often been bothered by feeling down, depressed, or hopeless?
- During the past month, have you often been bothered by little interest or pleasure in doing things?
“Yes” to one (or both) questions = positive test (requires further evaluation)
“No” to both questions = negative test (not depressed)
Physical Effects
How has vertigo affected your movement?
Because of vertigo… (Answer with a Yes or No)
– Looking up makes me dizzy.
– Walking down the aisle of a supermarket makes me dizzy.
– Performing sports, dancing, household chores make me dizzy
– Quick movements of head make me dizzy.
– Walking down a sidewalk makes me dizzy.
– Bending over makes me dizzy.
(Jacobson GP, Newman C. The Development of Dizziness Handicap Inventory. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1990;116:424-427)
You are not alone in this journey. Talk to a friend, loved one and your doctor.
Effects on Function
How has vertigo affected the things you usually do
Because of vertigo… (Answer with a Yes or No)
– Dizziness has restricted my travel either for business or recreation.
– I have difficulty getting into or out of bed.
– I don’t usually go out anymore because of vertigo: dinner, movies, or parties.
– I have difficulty reading.
– I don’t do strenuous housework anymore.
– It’s difficult for me to walk outside alone.
– It’s more difficult to walk in the dark unlike before.
– Vertigo has affected my job and my responsibilities at home.
(Jacobson GP, Newman C. The Development of Dizziness Handicap Inventory. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1990;116:424-427)
You are not alone in this journey. Talk to a friend, loved one and your doctor.
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