Most vertigo comes from the inner ear and is not dangerous, even when it feels terrible. But some dizziness needs urgent care, and every new or changing dizziness deserves a proper check. This article explains when to act fast and who to see.
Call your local emergency number straight away if vertigo or dizziness comes with
- A sudden, severe headache, unlike your usual headaches
- Double vision or loss of vision
- Slurred speech or trouble understanding words
- A drooping face
- Weakness, numbness or tingling in the face, an arm or a leg, especially on one side
- Being unable to stand or walk, or falling to one side
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
- Chest pain, a racing or irregular heartbeat, or trouble breathing
These can be signs of a stroke or another emergency. Do not wait to see if it passes.
Get seen the same day if
- You suddenly lose hearing in one ear, with or without vertigo. Early treatment can matter.
- You have a very bad first-ever attack of vertigo with vomiting and cannot keep fluids down.
- You have dizziness after a head injury.
- You have a high temperature with a stiff neck or ear pain.
Book an appointment with your GP if
- You have repeated spins and do not know why.
- Your spins are changing: longer, more often or different.
- Dizziness is affecting work, driving, sleep or your mood.
- You have hearing changes, tinnitus or ear fullness that come and go.
- You are falling or nearly falling.
- You are taking medicines for dizziness most days.
Who you might see
- Your GP is usually the first step and can refer you on.
- An ENT specialist looks after the ear, including BPPV, Meniere's disease and inner ear problems.
- A neurologist looks after the brain and nerves, including vestibular migraine and central causes.
- An audiologist tests hearing and balance.
- A vestibular physiotherapist guides balance and repositioning exercises.
Preparing for an appointment
A clear record makes appointments much more useful. Before you go:
- Look at your spins in the Journal: how often, how long, what you were doing, and what position they started in.
- Note any hearing changes, headaches or warning signs.
- List your medicines and how much they helped.
- If you have Premium, open the Full Report on the Insights tab and save or share the PDF.
- If you use the Questionnaires (DHI, VSS-SF and hearing scores), bring your latest scores.
VertigoMe does not diagnose anything and is not an emergency service. If you are worried, trust that feeling and get help.
This is general information only. It cannot tell you what is causing your symptoms. Please speak to your GP, ENT, neurologist or audiologist about your own situation.
