How do I describe vertigo to my doctor?

  1.When, where, and what did you do to appear dizzy?  2. What is the sensation of vertigo: spinning in the sky? Does it feel light like stepping on cotton? Staggering as if you were drunk? When you opened your eyes, did you see things around you blurred? Or was it just black?  3. How long did the dizziness last? Did it start suddenly and only come on once? Or does it occur every once in a while?  4. Are there any accompanying symptoms? Do you feel like your ears are plugged up? Ringing in the ears? Is it particularly uncomfortable to hear loud sounds around you?  5. Is there any numbness in the arms and legs during the vertigo attack? Or do you see things with double vision?  6.Did you vomit or have cold sweats during the vertigo attack?  7.Was the consciousness clear? Or were you completely unaware of what was going on around you?  8. Did you feel tired or stressed? Did you sleep well?  9.Do you get dizzy easily when riding in cars, boats or elevators?  10.Any history of allergies?  11.What illnesses have you had in the past and what illnesses are you currently suffering from?  12.Past and present medications you often take?  13.Do you drink and smoke?