How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit About Dizziness (Vertigo)

Audience: adult

Dizziness, including vertigo, can be unsettling and may have many causes. Preparing well for a telemedicine visit can help your healthcare provider understand your symptoms and recommend the best care. During the visit, you will discuss your dizziness in detail, including when it started, how often it occurs, and any other symptoms you have. Telemedicine is often suitable for initial assessments of dizziness, especially when symptoms are mild or stable. However, some signs require urgent in-person evaluation. This guide helps you prepare for your telemedicine visit, know what telemedicine can and cannot do for dizziness, and understand when to seek emergency care. Clear communication and having information ready can improve your care experience and outcomes.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden severe dizziness with weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, or facial drooping — seek emergency care immediately.
• Loss of consciousness or fainting associated with dizziness — call emergency services right away.
• Dizziness accompanied by chest pain, severe headache, high fever, or neck stiffness — seek urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild to moderate dizziness or vertigo symptoms.
• Discussion of symptom history and medication review.
• Guidance on symptom management and follow-up planning.
• Demonstration and coaching of simple balance or eye movement tests via video.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency symptoms such as stroke signs, severe headache, chest pain, or loss of consciousness.
• Need for urgent imaging tests or physical examinations that require specialized equipment.
• Complex neurological evaluations that cannot be performed remotely.
• Procedures or treatments requiring in-person care.

What to Expect During Your Telemedicine Visit

During your telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider will ask about your dizziness symptoms, such as when they started, how long they last, and what makes them better or worse. They may also ask about other symptoms like nausea, hearing changes, or headaches. You might be asked to perform simple movements or tests on camera to help assess your balance and coordination. Be ready to share your medical history and any medications you take. The provider will use this information to decide if further tests or in-person care are needed.

How to Prepare for Your Telemedicine Visit

Prepare a quiet, well-lit space where you can speak openly and perform any requested movements safely. Have a list of your symptoms, including when they began and how they affect you. Write down any questions you want to ask. Keep a list of your current medications and any recent changes. Ensure your device (phone, tablet, or computer) is charged and connected to a reliable internet connection. Having a family member or friend nearby can help if needed.

When Telemedicine Is Appropriate for Dizziness

Telemedicine works well for initial evaluations of dizziness when symptoms are mild, stable, and without other concerning signs. It allows you to discuss your symptoms promptly and receive guidance on managing them or deciding if further tests are needed. Telemedicine can also help with follow-up visits after initial diagnosis or treatment.

When to Seek In-Person or Emergency Care

Some dizziness symptoms require urgent in-person evaluation. If you experience sudden severe dizziness with weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, chest pain, severe headache, loss of consciousness, or difficulty walking, seek emergency care immediately. Also, if dizziness worsens quickly or is accompanied by high fever or neck stiffness, see a healthcare provider in person.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow the care plan your provider outlines, which may include medications, exercises, or referrals for tests. Monitor your symptoms and keep notes on any changes. Schedule follow-up appointments as recommended. If symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop, contact your healthcare provider promptly or seek emergency care if needed.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit, and safe space for your telemedicine visit.
• Ensure your device is charged and connected to a stable internet connection.
• Prepare a list of your dizziness symptoms, including onset, frequency, duration, and triggers.
• Write down any other symptoms you have noticed.
• Have a list of all medications you are currently taking.
• Prepare questions you want to ask your healthcare provider.
• Have a family member or friend nearby if you need assistance during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment or management plan provided by your healthcare provider.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or new symptoms.
• Schedule any recommended follow-up appointments or tests.
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or new red-flag symptoms appear.
• Seek emergency care immediately if you experience any red-flag symptoms.

FAQs

Can I get a diagnosis for my dizziness through telemedicine?

Telemedicine can help your healthcare provider understand your symptoms and suggest possible causes, but some diagnoses require physical exams or tests that may need to be done in person.

What should I do if my dizziness gets worse after the telemedicine visit?

If your dizziness worsens or you develop new symptoms like weakness, difficulty speaking, or chest pain, seek emergency care immediately. Otherwise, contact your healthcare provider for advice.

Are there any tests I might need after a telemedicine visit for dizziness?

Your provider may recommend in-person tests such as hearing exams, balance tests, blood work, or imaging studies depending on your symptoms and initial assessment.

Can medications cause dizziness?

Yes, some medications can cause dizziness as a side effect. Be sure to tell your provider about all medications and supplements you are taking.

How can I make my telemedicine visit more effective?

Prepare your symptom history and questions in advance, ensure good internet connection, and be ready to perform simple movements if asked. Having a helper nearby can also be useful.

Sources

1. Dizziness and Vertigo — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Vertigo and Dizziness — Mayo Clinic.
3. Dizziness and Vertigo Fact Sheet — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Vertigo and Dizziness: Diagnosis and Treatment — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If you have severe symptoms or emergency signs, seek immediate medical attention.