Dizziness: Lightheadedness And Vertigo: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

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.

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