Dizziness and fainting in the elderly.

Syncope, vertigo, and related conditions are common in the elderly and must be evaluated carefully. There is major potential for treatable life-threatening conditions, falls with injury, and simply a fearful, confining, and unpleasant existence. The ability to evaluate and manage comfortably and confidently the elderly patient with dizziness and fainting is a major measure of the skill and maturity of an emergency physician.