Abstract

MURPHY, Shane D.  and  VAN AARDT, Michael G.. Vertiginous dizziness: A primary care approach. SAFP [online]. 2023, vol.65, n.1, pp.1-5. ISSN 2078-6204.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/safp.v65i1.5712.

Dizziness is an extremely common, yet complex neurological symptom that reflects a disturbance of normal balance perception and spatial orientation. Dizziness is a non-specific, catch-all term commonly used by patients to describe a wide array of symptoms, including a sensation of motion, weakness, light-headedness, unsteadiness, emotional upset and depression. The national 1-year prevalence of dizziness is around 50%, accounting for 4% of emergency department presentations and 1% of primary care consultations in South Africa. This article will focus on a diagnostic approach to the most common cause of dizziness (vertigo).

Keywords : family medicine; general practice; primary care; vertigo; dizziness.

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