Dizziness describes a variety of unpleasant sensations that often interfere with balance and walking. It is a common complaint of people over age 65, affecting 13%-38% of older Americans. Dizziness can have many different causes that can be difficult to diagnose. The following are questions you can ask your health care provider concerning dizziness.

1. Could any of my medicines be making me dizzy?
2. I feel more steady when I use a cane. Could you check this cane and tell me if it is the proper height for me? Should I see a physical therapist?
3. Since I have been told I have Meniere’s disease, should I see a dietician to learn how to maintain a low salt diet?
4. I feel lightheaded or dizzy when I stand up. Would you check my sitting and standing blood pressures?
5. When I move my head or roll over in bed I feel as if the room is spinning. Why is this?
6. Does the buzzing/ringing in my ears have anything to do with my feeling dizzy?
7. My balance has been unsteady, and I have the feeling of the room spinning since I had a recent bad cold. Why is this? Is it related to having the cold?
8. My hearing is not as good as it used to be ­ do I have wax in my ears? Could wax buildup be making me feel lightheaded or dizzy?
9. Could drinking alcohol make me dizzy, or make my dizziness worse?
10. I’ve been told to drink more liquids. Would this help the dizziness when I stand up?
11. Can allergies cause lightheadedness or dizziness?
12. I sometimes feel faint and dizzy after I have passed urine. Why is this? What can I do about this?
13. I sometimes feel faint and dizzy after I have emptied my bowel. Why does this happen? What can I do about this?
14. Sometimes when I feel really anxious I end up feeling faint and dizzy. Why does this happen?
15. When I feel anxious I sometimes breathe deeply. Could this cause lightheadedness?
16. Since my husband died I haven’t felt right. I often feel lightheaded and have to lie down. Why is this? What can I do about this?
17. I sometimes feel my heart skip beats or beat fast. Could abnormal heart rhythm be causing my lightheadedness or dizziness?
18. I’ve heard internal bleeding can cause dizziness. How would I know if this was happening?
19. My vision has gotten much worse recently. Could this be making me lightheaded or dizzy?
20. I felt like the room was spinning recently and at the same time part of my face felt numb. Why is this?