HYPERVENTILATION AND DIZZINESS: CASE REPORTS AND MANAGEMENT

SUMMARY Dizziness is a common symptom in patients presenting to an otorhinolaryngologist. Hyperventilation accounts for up to 5% of cases with dizziness and is a contributory factor in a further 20% of cases. Six cases of dizziness due to hyperventilation are presented to illustrate the authors' simple management policy. A high index of suspicion in the absence of an organic cause of dizziness and a simple provocation test will identify these cases. Management is aimed at demonstrating resting hypocapnia, investigations to exclude organic causes of hyperventilation and rehabilitation in collaboration with a clinical psychologist ensures the appropriate treatment for the dizziness and can avoid the development of chronic somatisation behaviours.