Dizziness: Lightheadedness and Vertigo
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Do you have vertigo?
See significance of vertigo with or without other symptoms if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have signs of serious illness?
Yes Do you have vertigo with new ringing in your ears (tinnitus) or new hearing loss?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have vertigo with persistent nausea and vomiting that is causing moderate dehydration?
Yes Do you have new vertigo?
Yes Has your vertigo changed significantly?
Yes Do you have continuous mild vertigo that is interfering with your daily activities?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Have you had mild vertigo with nausea or vomiting and mild dehydration for longer than 24 hours?
Yes Have you had mild vertigo and a mild headache for longer than 24 hours?
Yes Have you had mild vertigo with occasional loss of balance for longer than 24 hours?
You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Does vertigo frequently interfere with your normal activities?
Yes Do you frequently have vertigo that has not been checked by your doctor?
Yes Have you had vertigo for longer than 5 days?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: February 27, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology | |
 | ||