A Dizzy Blonde

This case is designed to get you thinking about how you tackle dizziness.

Points are awarded for good patient care or subtracted for less wise choices so be judicious in choosing your options.

You are working in a rural centre.

Your next patient is Mildred Blonde, 78, who says complains of being dizzy. She has had this before but it has never been this bad.

She seems quite a chatty old soul but can sometimes be a bit vague with her answers. She has been previously labeled as a "bad historian". However, remember that the historian is the one taking the history, not the one giving it. The trick in this first part of the case is asking good questions. Some questions will get you better quality answers than others.

What would you like to ask her next with regards to her dizzy episodes?

Does the room seem to spin?

Do you get ringing in your ears?

Have you had any fractures?

Do you get dizzy when you stand up?

Do you get short of breath?

Do you get dizzy when you roll over in bed?

Do you feel like you are going to pass out?

Do you get nausea?

Do you have any difficulty speaking?

Have you injured your head recently?

Do you get any problems with your eyes?