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Brain & Nervous System Health Center

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Dizziness: Lightheadedness and Vertigo - Emergencies

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Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

  • Loss of consciousness and inability to rouse the person
  • Signs of shock
  • Seizure (convulsion)
  • Sudden, severe vertigo with nausea or vomiting and the inability to walk or stand
  • Persistent loss of function, such as:
    • Partial or complete inability to move (paralysis) a part or all of one side of the body (face, arm, and leg), or persistent numbness
    • Loss of vision in one or both eyes
    • Confusion or altered behavior, such as unusual aggressive or combative behavior
    • Inability to speak, difficulty speaking, or difficulty understanding speech
  • Sudden, severe headache and is the worst headache you have ever had
  • Chest pain that is crushing or squeezing, increases in intensity, or occurs with any other symptoms of a heart attack
  • Sudden change in your normal heart rate (pulse rate less than 50 or more than 150 beats per minute). Note: To check your heart rate, see taking a pulse.
  • Heart palpitations with any of the following symptoms:

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: February 27, 2007
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.
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