When should I get urgent help for dizziness?
Dizziness is often not an emergency, but sometimes it is a sign that you need help right away. The most important question is not just “Am I dizzy?” It is “What else is happening with it?” New, severe, or unusual dizziness needs faster attention than mild dizziness that feels familiar and passes quickly.
Seek emergency care immediately if your dizziness is combined with any of the following:
- Loss of consciousness
- New or abnormal seizure
- Sudden severe headache
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Slurred speech
- Numbness or unable to move the muscles in your arms, legs or face
- Sudden change in hearing in one or both ears
- Change in mental status or confusion
- Double vision
- Rapid or irregular heart beat
- Head trauma (a recent hit on the head)
- Unstoppable vomiting
- Fever over 100-degrees F
These symptoms may point to a stroke, heart problem, or another serious condition that requires immediate treatment.
Why do the extra symptoms matter?
Dizziness can come from many causes. Some are less serious, such as inner ear problems that are uncomfortable but not dangerous. Others may need urgent medical care. That is why it is so important to pay attention to what happens with the dizziness, not just the dizziness itself.
For example, dizziness with chest pain, fainting, or trouble breathing may point in a very different direction than dizziness that only happens when you roll in bed. Dizziness with weakness, trouble speaking, or double vision also needs urgent attention.