Red flags & when to go in person for Dizziness (Vertigo)

Audience: adult

Dizziness and vertigo are common symptoms that can affect your balance and make you feel unsteady. Many causes are not serious and can be evaluated through telemedicine. However, some signs mean you should seek in-person care quickly. Telemedicine can help assess your symptoms, guide you on next steps, and provide advice on managing mild dizziness. If you experience sudden severe dizziness, weakness, difficulty speaking, or chest pain, you need urgent in-person evaluation. Knowing when to use telemedicine and when to get emergency care can keep you safe and help you get the right treatment.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking — seek emergency care immediately.
• Severe headache with dizziness or new vision problems — go to emergency room.
• Chest pain or shortness of breath with dizziness — call emergency services right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild or moderate dizziness or vertigo symptoms.
• Review of medical history and medications related to dizziness.
• Guidance on home care, symptom monitoring, and follow-up planning.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Evaluation of sudden severe neurological symptoms like weakness or speech problems.
• Management of chest pain or signs of heart attack.
• Emergency care for fainting, loss of consciousness, or severe head injury.

Understanding Dizziness and Vertigo

Dizziness is a feeling of lightheadedness or unsteadiness. Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness where you feel like you or your surroundings are spinning. These symptoms can come from many causes, including inner ear problems, dehydration, medication side effects, or more serious conditions like stroke. Understanding your symptoms helps guide the right care.

When Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine is useful for initial evaluation of dizziness or vertigo, especially if symptoms are mild or have happened before. A healthcare provider can ask about your symptoms, medical history, and medications. They may guide you through simple balance tests or recommend home care steps. Telemedicine can help decide if you need further testing or in-person care.

Red Flags That Need In-Person Care

Certain symptoms with dizziness or vertigo require urgent medical attention. These include:

If you have any of these, go to an emergency room or call emergency services immediately.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

To make the most of your telemedicine visit:

After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your visit, follow your provider's advice carefully. This may include:

When to Seek Emergency Care

If dizziness or vertigo is accompanied by any red flags or if symptoms suddenly worsen, seek emergency medical care immediately. Early treatment can prevent serious complications, especially if a stroke or heart problem is involved.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit area with stable internet for your tele-visit.
• Have a family member or friend nearby if possible for assistance.
• Prepare a list of your dizziness or vertigo symptoms, including when they started and what makes them better or worse.
• Gather a current list of all medications and supplements you take.
• Be ready to describe any other health conditions or recent illnesses.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions on medications and home care.
• Monitor your symptoms closely and note any changes or new symptoms.
• Schedule any recommended follow-up appointments or tests.
• Seek in-person care immediately if red flag symptoms develop.
• Keep a symptom diary to share with your provider during follow-up visits.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of my dizziness?

Telemedicine can help evaluate your symptoms and medical history to suggest possible causes. However, some causes may require physical exams or tests that need in-person visits.

When should I stop home treatments and seek emergency care?

If you experience sudden weakness, difficulty speaking, severe headache, chest pain, fainting, or new vision problems along with dizziness, seek emergency care immediately.

Is vertigo always related to ear problems?

Vertigo often comes from inner ear issues but can also be caused by neurological or cardiovascular problems, so a healthcare provider should evaluate your symptoms.

Can medications cause dizziness?

Yes, many medications can cause dizziness or vertigo as side effects. Review your medications with your healthcare provider during your telemedicine visit.

How can I prepare for my telemedicine visit about dizziness?

Prepare by listing your symptoms, when they started, and any triggers. Have your medication list ready and find a quiet place with good internet for your visit.

Sources

1. Dizziness and Vertigo — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Vertigo and Dizziness: Diagnosis and Treatment — Mayo Clinic.
3. Dizziness and Vertigo — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Evaluation of Dizziness in Adults — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical evaluation and treatment. If you have any red flag symptoms or worsening condition, seek emergency or in-person care immediately.