When to Seek Emergency Care for Dizziness or Vertigo

Dizziness and vertigo are common symptoms that can be unsettling and disruptive. While many cases are mild and temporary, some instances may indicate a more serious underlying condition requiring immediate medical attention. Vestibular Physiotherapy Grande Prairie  At GP Pain & Physiotherapy, we offer expert guidance and treatment to manage dizziness and restore balance.

 

Understanding Dizziness and Vertigo

 

Dizziness refers to a sensation of lightheadedness, faintness, or feeling off-balance.

Vertigo creates a spinning sensation, making you feel as though you or your surroundings are moving.


These symptoms may be caused by various conditions, including:

 

Inner ear disorders (vestibular issues)

Migraines

Head injuries

Dehydration

Neurological conditions


While many causes are benign, some may signal a more urgent problem.

 

When to Seek Emergency Care

You should seek immediate medical attention if dizziness or vertigo is accompanied by:

 

Severe Headache or Neck Pain

A sudden, intense headache or neck pain could be a sign of a stroke, brain aneurysm, or head injury.

 

Loss of Consciousness or Fainting

If dizziness leads to fainting or losing consciousness, it may indicate a heart problem or a drop in blood pressure.

 

Weakness, Numbness, or Difficulty Speaking

These symptoms can be warning signs of a stroke. Seek emergency care immediately if you experience:

 

Facial drooping

Arm weakness

Slurred speech

 

Chest Pain or Irregular Heartbeat

Dizziness paired with chest pain, shortness of breath, or an irregular heartbeat may point to a cardiac emergency.

 

Sudden Vision Changes

Blurry vision, double vision, or vision loss may suggest a neurological issue or stroke.

 

Persistent Vomiting

Severe dizziness repeated vomiting can lead to dehydration and may require urgent care.

 

Trouble Walking or Coordinating Movements

Loss of coordination, stumbling, or inability to walk properly could indicate a neurological disorder.

 

When Dizziness Can Be Managed with Physiotherapy

Not all dizziness requires emergency care. If your symptoms are:

 

Mild or intermittent

Triggered by head movements or changes in position

Accompanied by ear pressure or ringing


You may be experiencing benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular migraines, or other non-life-threatening issues. At GP Pain & Physiotherapy in Grande Prairie, our physiotherapists provide vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) to address these conditions.

VRT includes:

 

  • Balance retraining exercises
  • Gaze stabilization techniques
  • Canalith repositioning maneuvers for BPPV

 

Take Control of Your Dizziness

 

If you’re unsure about your symptoms, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. Once immediate concerns are ruled out, the team at GP Pain & Physiotherapy is here to help you manage and overcome dizziness through effective, personalized care.

 

Contact us today to learn more or schedule your appointment.

 

#vestibularphysiotherapygrandeprairie #vestibularphysiotherapy #vestibularphysiotherapynearme #vestibularphysiotherapy  #gppainphysicaltherapy #grandeprairiephysiotherapy #physiotherapynearme #physiotherapygrandeprairie  #physicaltherapygrandeprairie #physicaltherapynearme  #physicaltherapy  #physiotherapistclinic #physiotherapytclinic #physicaltherapyclinic  #vestibularrehabilitation
#vestibularrehabilitationtherapy #vertigophysiotherapy #dizzinessphysiotherapy