Conditions
Dizziness and vertigo triage
Office-first approach to dizziness/vertigo that prioritizes stroke and cardiac red-flag exclusion.
Last reviewed 2026-02-07|dizziness | vertigo | triage
Assessment priorities
- Differentiate vertigo, presyncope, disequilibrium, and nonspecific lightheadedness.
- Review orthostatic vitals, medication contributors, and hydration status.
- Check focal neurologic findings, gait stability, and cardiovascular warning features.
Red flags
- Acute focal neurologic deficit, severe ataxia, or persistent central-vertigo concern.
- Syncope, chest pain, or arrhythmia concern accompanying dizziness.
- Progressive severe symptoms with inability to ambulate safely.
Initial management
- Stabilize immediate contributors such as dehydration or medication-related hypotension.
- Use targeted outpatient workup when red flags are absent and follow-up is reliable.
- Document escalation criteria if symptoms persist, worsen, or change pattern.
Follow-up and escalation
- Arrange close follow-up for unresolved dizziness within a defined interval.
- Escalate for recurrent syncope, neurologic progression, or new cardiopulmonary concerns.
- Ensure explicit return precautions for stroke-like symptoms and sudden deterioration.