Dizziness and Vertigo By David M Kaylie, MS, MD, Duke University Medical Center Reviewed / Revised Dec 2022 View Patient Education Pathophysiology Etiology Evaluation Treatment Geriatrics Essentials: Dizziness and Vertigo Key Points Topic Resources Middle Ear and Inner Ear Some Causes of Dizziness... Dizziness is an imprecise term patients often use to describe various related sensations, including Faintness (a feeling of impending syncope) Light-headedness Feeling of imbalance or unsteadiness A vague spaced-out or swimmy-headed feeling A spinning sensation Vertigo is a sensation of movement of the self or the environment when there is no actual movement.