Is Severe Vertigo With Vomiting and Reduced Consciousness a Medical Emergency?

Hello,

We understand how worrying this must be, especially because your father is 76 and his vertigo has suddenly become much more severe. But because he is now semi-conscious and has severe vertigo with vomiting, please do not wait for a routine neurosurgeon appointment. He needs emergency hospital assessment immediately. Sudden severe vertigo with vomiting and reduced consciousness can sometimes occur with a stroke or another serious brain problem, although there can also be less serious causes.

What you should do right now

• Call an ambulance or take him to the nearest hospital with a 24-hour emergency department and Neurology/Neurosurgery facility.

• Do not let him walk or stand, as he could fall.

• Keep him safely lying or sitting and closely monitor his breathing and responsiveness.

• Do not give food, water or medicines by mouth if he is not fully alert or has difficulty swallowing, because of the risk of choking.

• Do not give extra vertigo medicine, sleeping medicine or other medication without medical advice.

• Take all his previous prescriptions, reports and medicines with you.

• Tell the emergency doctor that he has had vertigo for around 45 days, improved after treatment, and has now suddenly become much worse with vomiting and semi-consciousness.

The hospital may need an urgent neurological examination and, depending on the findings, tests such as a CT or MRI of the brain and blood tests to rule out a stroke or other serious cause. 

Please also watch for face drooping, weakness/numbness of an arm or leg, slurred speech, difficulty speaking, double vision, severe headache, difficulty walking, worsening confusion or loss of consciousness. These are emergency warning signs. 

Please share your city and state. We can help you identify a suitable hospital and Neurosurgeon/Neurologist nearby, but please proceed to emergency care now rather than waiting for a referral.

Wishing you and your family good health always.
Warm regards,
Team HexaHealth