Sudden Dizziness: When to See a Family Doctor or Neurologist?

Sudden dizziness?

Recently, I haven't had a cold or any food or drug allergies.
I had breakfast (from my usual place) about half an hour before work.
About an hour and a half later, I suddenly experienced severe dizziness (the room was spinning), found it very difficult to walk, and felt nauseous and wanted to vomit (my hearing was normal with no tinnitus).
After vomiting my breakfast, I drank some water, but soon vomited that as well.
After continuing to rest, I vomited a third time (a small amount of liquid, not water).
I went to the emergency department at Hsinchu Nanmen Hospital, where they first administered an anti-nausea injection (but I still felt dizzy).
They performed a blood test, and the doctor said there were no abnormalities.
I then received an IV drip and was prescribed two medications (Cephadol/Merislon).
After lying (sleeping) in the hospital bed for about five hours, I still experienced mild dizziness, but I was able to walk and ride a bike.
The doctor suggested that if there was no improvement, I should see a neurologist.
After going home and sleeping for six hours, I felt somewhat better (with slight dizziness).
After this ordeal, I still don't know the cause...
I'm quite anxious...
If my symptoms worsen, should I see a family medicine doctor or a neurologist? Thank you for your response.

abing, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/08/16

Dr. Huang Mingde reply Family Medicine

1.
It is advised that you do not ride a motorcycle or drive if you are experiencing dizziness.
2.
It is recommended to consult a neurologist for evaluation.

Reply Date: 2005/08/16

More Info

Based on your description, it sounds like you experienced a sudden onset of severe dizziness accompanied by nausea and vomiting, which can be quite distressing. Given that you had no prior symptoms such as a cold or allergies, and that you had a normal breakfast, it’s understandable to feel anxious about the cause of your symptoms.
Dizziness can stem from a variety of causes, ranging from benign to more serious conditions. Common causes include vestibular disorders (related to the inner ear), migraines, dehydration, or even anxiety. However, it can also be a sign of more serious issues, such as neurological conditions, cardiovascular problems, or metabolic disturbances.
Since you mentioned that you were evaluated in the emergency department, it’s reassuring that initial tests did not reveal any alarming issues. The medications you were given, such as Cephadol (an antihistamine) and Merislon (an antiemetic), are commonly used to treat symptoms of dizziness and nausea. The fact that you felt somewhat better after resting and receiving treatment is a positive sign.

In terms of whether to see a family doctor or a neurologist, it largely depends on the persistence and severity of your symptoms. If your dizziness continues or worsens, or if you experience additional symptoms such as severe headaches, visual disturbances, weakness, or changes in consciousness, it would be prudent to seek further evaluation from a neurologist. Neurologists specialize in disorders of the nervous system, which includes the brain and inner ear, and they can perform more specific tests to rule out conditions such as vestibular neuritis, migraines, or other neurological disorders.

On the other hand, if your dizziness improves and you feel stable, you might consider following up with your family doctor. They can provide a comprehensive evaluation and help determine if further testing or referrals are necessary. They can also assess your overall health and any other potential contributing factors, such as blood pressure or hydration status.

In the meantime, it’s important to take care of yourself. Ensure you stay hydrated, avoid sudden movements that could exacerbate dizziness, and rest as needed. Keeping a diary of your symptoms, including when they occur and any associated factors (like stress or dietary changes), can also be helpful for your healthcare provider in diagnosing the issue.

In summary, if your symptoms persist or worsen, seeing a neurologist would be advisable. If you feel better and your symptoms are manageable, a follow-up with your family doctor could be sufficient. Always trust your instincts about your health, and don’t hesitate to seek further medical attention if you feel something isn’t right. Your health and peace of mind are paramount.

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