When to go to the ER for dizziness
Feelings of dizziness are quite common, and may indicate a few different conditions, including lightheadedness or vertigo.
Lightheadedness can cause you to feel dizzy or that you are about to pass out, without the feeling that your surroundings are moving. Often, this feeling of lightheadedness goes away once you lie down.
Vertigo produces the sensation that you or your surroundings are moving or spinning when neither actually is. The sensation of being off balance or tilting is also be an indicator of vertigo.
Use the guidelines below if you are not sure whether your dizziness requires emergency care at a Denver hospital.
Symptoms accompanying dizziness that may require emergency care
If rest does not ease dizziness or if you become severely off-balance, you should immediately visit the emergency room (ER). If dizziness is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, you should also seek emergency care:
- Difficulty walking
- Dizziness associated with trauma
- Double vision and loss of vision
- Headache
- Numbness or weakness in the muscles
- Slurred speech
- Vomiting
Dizziness can be more serious for those with certain conditions
If you have any of the medical conditions listed below and are experiencing bouts of dizziness, you should seek emergency care:
- Individuals age 50 years old and older
- Individuals with a history of fainting associated with dizziness
- Individuals with heart disease or previous stroke