CME | Spin Control: Deciphering Dizziness in Primary Care

The CME on the Go series of the Inside Family Medicine podcast lets you earn up to 0.5 CME credits per episode — join the hosts as they take a closer look at the common complaint of dizziness, with an emphasis on vertigo. They explore the various types of dizziness, walk through the diagnostic process, and review effective treatment options—including medications and maneuvers like the Epley maneuver. The episode underscores the importance of a thorough patient history and symptom assessment for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

In this episode of Spin Control: Deciphering Dizziness in Primary Care, the hosts explore the common complaint of dizziness, with a focus on vertigo. They break down the different types—vertiginous dizziness, lightheadedness, and disequilibrium—and stress the importance of a thorough patient history for accurate diagnosis. The discussion includes diagnostic workups, treatment strategies, and the use of techniques like the Epley maneuver to manage vertigo. The hosts also touch on less common but serious causes of dizziness, such as intracranial neoplasms and cardiac arrhythmias.

Your hosts for this episode are Lauren Brown-Berchtold, MD, FAAFP, program director for the San Joaquin General Family Medicine Residency in French Camp, Calif.; Jason Marker, MD, MPA, FAAFP, associate director of the Memorial Hospital Family Medicine Residency program in South Bend, Ind.; and Tamaan Osbourne-Roberts, MD, MBA, FAAFP, chief medical officer and vice president of health strategy at the public sector health plan Colorado Access.

Whether you're navigating patient queries or seeking to enhance your clinical knowledge, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for family physicians. Tune in now and earn CME credit!

Credit Claiming:

After listening to the podcast episode, claim 0.5 AAFP credit by following the provided link.
https://www.aafp.org/assessment/take/17834/e

Learning Objectives:

1. Differentiate between peripheral and central causes of dizziness and vertigo.

2. Discover how to preform a targeted history and physical examination to diagnose dizziness and vertigo.

3. Consider how to implement evidence-based treatment strategies for common causes of dizziness and vertigo in primary care.

References

Rogers TS, Noel MA, Garcia B. Dizziness: Evaluation and Management. Am Fam Physician. 2023;107(5):514-523. Accessed April 8, 2025. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2023/0500/dizziness.html

Drachman DA. Approach to the patient with dizziness. UpToDate. Waltham, MA: UpToDate Inc. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/approach-to-the-patient-with-dizziness. Accessed April 8, 2025.

Disclosure: It is the policy of the AAFP that all individuals in a position to control content disclose any relationships with commercial interests upon nomination/invitation of participation. Disclosure documents are reviewed for potential conflicts of interest and, if identified, conflicts are resolved prior to confirmation of participation. Only those participants who had no conflict of interest or who agreed to an identified resolution process prior to their participation were involved in this CME activity. All individuals in a position to control content for this session have indicated they have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Disclaimer: Copyright 2025. AAFP. The views presented in this broadcast are the speaker's own and do not represent those of AAFP.  The information presented is for general, educational, or entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal, health, financial, or other advice.  AAFP makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information and is not responsible for results that may arise from its use.  Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation and respective governing bodies for applicable laws. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by AAFP unless specifically stated otherwise. AAFP and the AAFP logo are registered trademarks of American Academy of Family Physicians.