Feeling dizzy? You’re not alone. In fact, dizziness or “vertigo” are tied with back pain and headaches as the most common causes for a visit to the doctor’s office. And just like back pain and headaches, there are a wide range of conditions that may be causing that uncomfortable, disorienting feeling.

That’s why it’s important that you give your doctor as much information about your symptoms as possible. Here are the key points you’ll want to cover:

When did your dizziness start? Did it begin yesterday, a week ago, an hour ago?

What’s the duration of your dizziness?  Is it continuous or does it come and go? If so, how often does it occur, and for how long with each occurrence?

Is that duration changing? Are you experiencing longer bouts of dizziness with each occurrence, or does it generally last the same amount of time?

Was there any “precipitating event?” In other words, did you fall, hit your head, or have any other physical occurrence that immediately preceded your dizziness?

Does there seem to be any recurring trigger? If your dizziness comes and goes, is there anything you do on a recurring basis (exercise, taking a medication, missing a meal) that seems to precede a bout of dizziness?

Do you have symptoms in addition to dizziness?  When you feel dizzy, do you experience any other physical sensations that seem to accompany the dizziness, for example, blurred vision or headaches?

How severe is your sensation of dizziness?  Is it mildly uncomfortable, or severe enough that you can’t stand or walk?

Are you experiencing extreme stress in other areas of your life right now?  For example, are there family or financial or job concerns that may be causing an unusually high level of stress in your day-to-day life?

What medications are you taking?  This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as any supplements you may take on a regular basis – note especially any that you have just recently begun.

Answers to the questions will help your doctor begin to pinpoint the cause of your dizziness and help you get back “in balance” as quickly as possible.