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Dizziness: Lightheadedness and Vertigo - Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Step One

Step Two

Step Three

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

Chest pain: Go to the topic Chest Pain.
Change in your heart rate: Go to the topic Change in Heartbeat.
Headache: Go to the topic Headaches.
Hyperventilation: Go to the topic Hyperventilation.
Head injury: Go to the topic Head Injury, Age 4 and Older.


	Yes

Have you had vertigo with a temporary loss of function, and all your symptoms are now gone?


	Yes

Do you have vertigo?


	Yes

Did your lightheadedness or vertigo begin following an injury?


	Yes

Have you had spells of lightheadedness or fainted?


	Yes

Do you think that your vertigo or lightheadedness may be caused by a medicine?


	Yes

Have you had vertigo with a temporary loss of function and all symptoms are now gone?

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.


	Yes

Do you have signs of serious illness?


	Yes

Do you have vertigo with new ringing in your ears (tinnitus) or new hearing loss?


	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?


	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?


	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.


	Yes

Do you have lightheadedness that is getting worse, but you do not have signs of shock?


	Yes

Do you have moderate to severe vertigo following a head injury?


	Yes

Do you have persistent mild vertigo following a head injury?


	Yes

Do you have persistent lightheadedness following an injury?


	Yes

Have you had mild to moderate vertigo for 24 hours or longer after an ear injury?


	Yes

Have you had lightheadedness that comes and goes for 2 to 3 days after an injury?


	Yes

Have you had mild persistent vertigo for 2 to 3 days after an injury?

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.


	Yes

Have you fainted more than 1 time when trying to stand up?


	Yes

Have you had more than 4 episodes of moderate to severe lightheadedness in the past 24 hours?


	Yes

Have you had more than 4 episodes of mild lightheadedness in the past 24 hours?

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.


	Yes

Do you think that your vertigo or lightheadedness is caused by a medicine?Note: If you answered "Yes ":Call the doctor who prescribed the medicine to determine whether you should stop taking the medicine or take a different one. An appointment may not be needed.If you are taking a nonprescription medicine, stop taking the medicine. Call your doctor if you feel you need to continue taking the medicine.

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.

Other Symptoms to Watch For

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: January 12, 2011

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.