Vertigo - a Guide

 


Urgent Symptoms

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Most patients who suffer from dizziness do not have a life-threatening condition or one that requires urgent evaluation and treatment. However on occasions immediate treament may be indicated and the reader is advised to read this page carefully:

The following symptoms are of concern:

Sudden or persistent headache
Loss of vision
Loss of consciousness
Weakness or numbness on one side of the face
Tingling in the face
Speech difficulties
Weakness or numbness in an arm or leg (that does not quickly resolve on position change).
History of recent head trauma.
Discharge from the ear

Some of these symptoms might indicate a stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack). In such cases there is a three hour window of opportunity to get treatment so attending an emergency department quickly can be vitaI !

If in doubt - seek medical attention

 

 

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Alasdair G. Gilchrist M.D.  
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What is vertigo  
Making a diagnosis  
Benign positional vertigo  
Meniere's disorder  
Viral labyrinthitis  
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Investigating vertigo  
Management of vertigo  
General measures  
Physical therapy  
Urgent conditions