Patient education: Dizziness in adults – ED discharge instructions (The Basics)

What are discharge instructions? — 

Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").

What should I know? — 

You came to the ED for dizziness. Dizziness can feel different to different people. For example, you might feel lightheaded or like you are about to pass out. You might have trouble walking straight or feel like you are about to fall. Some people feel like they are spinning or the world around them is spinning. This spinning feeling is called "vertigo."

Many things can make you feel dizzy. Some are serious things like heart problems or a stroke. Less serious things, like getting up too quickly or not drinking enough fluids, can also make you feel dizzy. Some medicines can also cause you to feel dizzy.

After seeing you, the doctor thinks the cause of your dizziness is not serious. If they think you have vertigo, they might give you medicine to help with your symptoms.

How do I care for myself at home? — 

Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

You should also:

●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.

●Avoid changing positions too quickly. Be careful when moving from sitting to standing.

●Sit on the edge of the bed for a few minutes before you stand up. Start to walk slowly after you stand up.

●Move your legs often if you need to sit or stand in 1 position for a long time.

●Drink enough fluids, even if you do not feel thirsty.

●Sit or lie down right away if you feel faint or dizzy. Be extra careful to avoid falling. Avoid driving when you feel dizzy. If you feel dizzy while driving, pull over right away.

●Use a cane or a walker if you have to walk when you feel dizzy. Or have another person help you walk, so you don't fall.

When should I get emergency help?

●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you:

•Have new weakness in your arms or legs

•Develop new trouble speaking, swallowing, seeing, or hearing

•Have chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, or trouble breathing

•Have a seizure

•Cannot walk or stand because of your dizziness

When should I call the doctor? — 

Call for advice if:

●Your dizziness continues for a long time or gets worse.

●You have new or worsening symptoms.

More on this topic

Patient education: Vertigo (a type of dizziness) (The Basics)
Patient education: Managing higher risk of falls from your medicines (The Basics)
Patient education: Preventing falls in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use a walker (The Basics)

Patient education: Vertigo (Beyond the Basics)