Dizziness: Lightheadedness And Vertigo: Check Your Symptoms

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Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

• Chest pain: Go to the topic Chest Pain.
• Change in your heart rate: Go to the topic Change in Heartbeat.
• Headache: Go to the topic Headaches.
• Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself: Go to the topic Suicidal Thoughts or Threats.
• Hyperventilation: Go to the topic Hyperventilation.

Yes

Have you had vertigo with a temporary loss of function, and all your symptoms are now gone?

Yes

Do you have vertigo?

Yes

Did your lightheadedness or vertigo begin following an injury?

Yes

Have you had spells of lightheadedness or fainted?

Yes

Do you think that your vertigo or lightheadedness may be caused by a medicine?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• Head injury: Go to the topic Head Injury, Age 4 and Older.
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus): Go to the topic Ringing in the Ears.
• Ear problems: Go to the topic Ear Problems, Age 4 and Older.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

Last updated:	February 27, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer