A patient's recurrent dizziness worsened by head movement indicates which condition?

Recurrent dizziness that worsens with head movement is characteristic of vertigo, a specific type of dizziness that affects a person's sense of balance. Vertigo often arises from issues within the inner ear or central nervous system, leading to the sensation of spinning or movement when the patient is not actually moving. This symptom is typically exacerbated by changes in head position, which is a hallmark of conditions such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

In contrast, balance disorders may involve a broader range of symptoms not strictly associated with head movement and can include issues like instability or unsteadiness, which are not solely linked to vertigo. Dizziness related to dehydration is often accompanied by other symptoms such as dryness or fatigue and is less likely to be triggered specifically by head movements. Likewise, orthostatic hypotension is characterized by dizziness or lightheadedness when standing up quickly, rather than head movement. Thus, the nature of the dizziness in this scenario aligns closely with the definition of vertigo, solidifying it as the correct answer.