Dizziness

Call 911 
if the person has:

• A change in vision or speech
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid, irregular, or very slow heartbeat
• Convulsions or ongoing vomiting
• Dizziness that comes after a head injury
• Double vision
• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• Fever and stiff neck
• Inability to move an arm or leg
• Slurred speech
• Numbness or tingling

1. Treat Symptoms

• The person should sit down or lie still.
• If the person gets light-headed when standing up, the person should stand up slowly.
• Avoid sudden changes in position.
• If the person is thirsty, have him or her drink fluids.
• Avoid bright lights.

2. Call a Health Care Professional
Call a health care professional if:

• This is the first time the person has been dizzy.
• The dizziness is different than before or doesn't go away quickly.

3. Follow Up

• At the health care provider's office or hospital, the next steps depend on the particular case.
• The person may get oxygen or IV fluids to treat dehydration.
• If blood tests reveal abnormal blood chemistry (electrolyte levels), this will be corrected.
• Health care providers may start emergency treatment for heart attack or stroke, blood transfusion, or surgery.

SOURCES:
Subbarao, I. American Medical Association Handbook of First Aid and Emergency Care, Random House, 2009.
Dizziness Information from eMedicineHealth.