Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): When To Call A Doctor

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When To Call a Doctor

Call your health professional immediately if you have the spinning, whirling sensation of vertigo together with any of the following:

• A head injury
• Complete, sudden hearing loss
• Weakness in an arm or leg
• Blurred or double vision
• Difficulty speaking
• Persistent numbness or tingling anywhere on your body

Call your health professional to schedule an appointment if:

• This is the first time you have had an attack of vertigo.
• You have a low-pitched roaring, ringing, or hissing sound in your ear, especially if you have not had this before. This is called tinnitus.
• You have frequent or severe episodes of vertigo that interfere with your activities.
• You have an attack of vertigo that is different from what you were told to expect.
• You need medicine to control nausea and vomiting.

Watchful Waiting

If your symptoms suggest benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), watchful waiting may be appropriate. BPPV may go away on its own in time. If it interferes with your normal daily activities or causes nausea and vomiting, treatment may be needed.

Who To See

The following health professionals are able to diagnose and treat BPPV and the causes of vertigo:

• Family doctor
• General practitioner
• Physician assistant
• Nurse practitioner
• Internist
• Otolaryngologist
• Neurologist

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

Last updated:	January 29, 2007
Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Reviewed By:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, Barrie J. Hurwitz, MD - Neurology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC