Vertigo: Care Instructions

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You passed out (lost consciousness).
• You have sudden dizziness that doesn't get better.
• You have dizziness along with symptoms of a heart attack. These may include:
  • Chest pain or pressure, or a strange feeling in the chest.
  • Sweating.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Pain, pressure, or a strange feeling in the back, neck, jaw, or upper belly or in one or both shoulders or arms.
  • Lightheadedness or sudden weakness.
  • A fast or irregular heartbeat.
• You have symptoms of a stroke. These may include:
  • Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of movement in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body.
  • Sudden vision changes.
  • Sudden trouble speaking.
  • Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements.
  • Sudden problems with walking or balance.
  • A sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• Vertigo occurs with a fever, a headache, or ringing in your ears.
• You have new or increased nausea and vomiting.
• Your vertigo gets worse or happens more often.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You do not get better as expected.