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February 9, 2012
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Dizziness (cont.)

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When to Seek Medical Care

Dangerous, life-threatening illness may start only with dizziness. Call a doctor if any of the following occur:

  • Any severe first time or new instances of dizziness

  • Dizziness without a clear or certain cause, or sudden dizziness

  • Any change in an established pattern of dizziness

  • Worsening or new symptoms

  • Dizziness after taking newly prescribed medications, or recent changes in previous prescriptions

Call 911, an ambulance, or your local emergency response system if you are uncertain of the cause of the dizziness.

  • Dizziness may be the only symptom of a heart attack or stroke.

  • If the person has a possibility of heart disease, or known heart disease, an ambulance may save their life.

  • All dizziness with loss of consciousness needs emergency evaluation.

  • The inability to walk straight or falling, especially to one side, could be a sign of a possible stroke and should be evaluated immediately.

  • Any dizziness associated with weakness of an extremity, facial droop, or slurred speech is a sign of a possible stroke and requires emergency evaluation.

Viewer Comments & Reviews

Dizziness - Causes

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What caused your dizziness?

Dizziness - Describe Your Diagnosis

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Dizziness, Vertigo, and Imbalance »

Dizziness and vertigo are among the most common symptoms causing patients to visit a physician (as common as back pain and headaches).

Read More on Medscape Reference »

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