Tele-triage for Dizziness (Vertigo)

Audience: adult

Dizziness and vertigo are common symptoms that can affect your balance and make you feel unsteady or spinning. These symptoms may be caused by many different conditions, some mild and others more serious. Telemedicine can help you understand your symptoms and decide if you need urgent care or can manage your condition at home. During a tele-visit, a healthcare provider will ask about your dizziness, other symptoms, and medical history to guide you safely. However, some signs require immediate in-person evaluation, such as sudden severe dizziness with weakness or difficulty speaking. This guide explains when telemedicine is appropriate for dizziness and vertigo, what to prepare for your tele-visit, and what steps to take afterward. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful tool but does not replace emergency care or thorough in-person exams when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden severe dizziness with weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, or vision changes — seek emergency care immediately.
• Loss of consciousness or fainting — call emergency services right away.
• Chest pain or severe shortness of breath with dizziness — seek urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Mild or intermittent dizziness without other serious symptoms.
• Medication side effects or dehydration-related dizziness.
• Follow-up questions and guidance on symptom monitoring.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Sudden onset of severe dizziness with neurological symptoms.
• Loss of consciousness or fainting episodes.
• Chest pain or severe breathing difficulties with dizziness.

Understanding Dizziness and Vertigo

Dizziness is a feeling of lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or faintness. Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness that causes a sensation of spinning or movement when you are still. These symptoms can come from problems in the inner ear, brain, heart, or other parts of the body. Causes range from dehydration and low blood sugar to infections or neurological issues. Knowing the type and pattern of dizziness helps healthcare providers decide the best care.

When to Use Telemedicine for Dizziness

Telemedicine can be useful if your dizziness is mild, comes and goes, or is linked to known causes like dehydration or medication side effects. A healthcare provider can ask detailed questions, review your medical history, and suggest initial self-care or tests. Tele-triage helps identify if you need urgent in-person care or can safely monitor symptoms at home.

Signs That Need Immediate In-Person Care

Seek emergency medical attention if you experience:

These signs may indicate serious conditions like stroke, heart problems, or severe infections.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit:

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow your provider's advice carefully. This may include:

Keep emergency numbers handy and avoid activities like driving if you feel dizzy.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit place with a stable internet connection.
• Have a family member or friend nearby if possible for support.
• Be ready to describe your dizziness: onset, duration, triggers, and type of sensation.
• List any other symptoms such as headache, nausea, or hearing changes.
• Prepare a list of current medications and medical history.
• Have a glass of water nearby in case of dehydration.

After your tele-visit

• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or new symptoms.
• Avoid driving or operating machinery if dizziness persists.
• Schedule follow-up visits if recommended.
• Seek emergency care if red-flag symptoms appear.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of my dizziness?

Telemedicine can help assess your symptoms and guide you on next steps, but it often cannot provide a definitive diagnosis without physical exams or tests. Your provider may recommend in-person evaluation if needed.

What should I do if my dizziness suddenly gets worse during a tele-visit?

If your dizziness worsens suddenly or you develop new symptoms like weakness, difficulty speaking, or chest pain, stop the tele-visit and seek emergency medical care immediately.

Are there simple tests I can do during a tele-visit?

Yes, your provider may guide you through simple balance or eye movement tests to better understand your dizziness. Having someone assist you can help ensure safety during these tests.

Can dehydration cause dizziness?

Yes, dehydration is a common cause of dizziness. Drinking fluids and resting may help, but if dizziness persists or worsens, seek medical advice.

When should I follow up after a telemedicine visit for dizziness?

Follow-up depends on your symptoms and provider's advice. If dizziness continues, worsens, or new symptoms develop, schedule a follow-up or in-person visit promptly.

Sources

1. Dizziness and Vertigo — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Vertigo and Dizziness — Mayo Clinic.
3. Dizziness and Vertigo — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Merck Manual Consumer Version: Vertigo and Dizziness — Merck & Co., Inc..

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. If you experience any severe or concerning symptoms, seek immediate medical care.