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Is Dizziness A Symptom Of Stroke?

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Posted on Wed, 4 Feb 2015
Question: I'm suddenly very dizzy and want to lie down and close my eyes. Am I having a stroke?
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Answered by Dr. Dariush Saghafi (23 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You may need to be seen by someone now

Detailed Answer:
Good morning ma'am. My name is Dr. Saghafi and I am a neurologist in the XXXXXXX Ohio region of the world. Unfortunately, on the basis of your isolated symptom of dizziness I cannot say if you are having a stroke or something less sinister which is likely to pass. Of course, with cold weather gripping most of the U.S. right now and the flu epidemic upon us a symptom of dizziness could be something simple such as a cold or flu bug that you've caught.

If that's not likely to be the case then, take a look at the brief checklist below of items and see if any apply to you.

0. What do you mean by DIZZY? Lightheaded and woozy/zoned out? Or SPINNING or feeling like you're being pushed or shoved in a direction?
1. Rapidity of onset of your symptoms (If onset was SUDDEN and reached maximal intensity immediately then, this could be worrisome....if gradual over a period hours or days then, less of an emergency)
2. Nausea/Vomiting/sudden excruciating headache?
3. Are you able to stand and walk under your own power without falling?
4. How is your speech? Garbled, difficulty thinking of what to say or how to say it?
5. Noises of high pitched quality or buzzing in your ears?
6. Numbness or tingling in any limb of your body or upon your face AND is it happening on ONLY ONE SIDE?

Do you have any pain traveling from your chest into the left shoulder or down the arm? Is there a terrible heaviness making breathing difficult as if something were sitting on your chest?

If any of the above questions have abnormal responses to them then, you should consider being seen by a doctor as soon as possible OR if you develop any of the symptoms of severe headache, nausea, vomiting, or numbness/tingling or speech difficulties you should call 911.

If this information has been helpful and I've answered your question satisfactorily would you do me the favor of some written feedback and a STAR RATING of the answer. Should you have no further questions or comments to place- CLOSING THE QUERY would be greatly appreciated as well.

In the future I'm happy to answer more concerns personally if you'd allow me this privilege by going to the following website and sending me your questions:

bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi

This query has required 18 minutes of physician specific review, research, and final draft documentation for envoy to this point.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Dariush Saghafi

Neurologist

Practicing since :1988

Answered : 2473 Questions

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Is Dizziness A Symptom Of Stroke?

Brief Answer: You may need to be seen by someone now Detailed Answer: Good morning ma'am. My name is Dr. Saghafi and I am a neurologist in the XXXXXXX Ohio region of the world. Unfortunately, on the basis of your isolated symptom of dizziness I cannot say if you are having a stroke or something less sinister which is likely to pass. Of course, with cold weather gripping most of the U.S. right now and the flu epidemic upon us a symptom of dizziness could be something simple such as a cold or flu bug that you've caught. If that's not likely to be the case then, take a look at the brief checklist below of items and see if any apply to you. 0. What do you mean by DIZZY? Lightheaded and woozy/zoned out? Or SPINNING or feeling like you're being pushed or shoved in a direction? 1. Rapidity of onset of your symptoms (If onset was SUDDEN and reached maximal intensity immediately then, this could be worrisome....if gradual over a period hours or days then, less of an emergency) 2. Nausea/Vomiting/sudden excruciating headache? 3. Are you able to stand and walk under your own power without falling? 4. How is your speech? Garbled, difficulty thinking of what to say or how to say it? 5. Noises of high pitched quality or buzzing in your ears? 6. Numbness or tingling in any limb of your body or upon your face AND is it happening on ONLY ONE SIDE? Do you have any pain traveling from your chest into the left shoulder or down the arm? Is there a terrible heaviness making breathing difficult as if something were sitting on your chest? If any of the above questions have abnormal responses to them then, you should consider being seen by a doctor as soon as possible OR if you develop any of the symptoms of severe headache, nausea, vomiting, or numbness/tingling or speech difficulties you should call 911. If this information has been helpful and I've answered your question satisfactorily would you do me the favor of some written feedback and a STAR RATING of the answer. Should you have no further questions or comments to place- CLOSING THE QUERY would be greatly appreciated as well. In the future I'm happy to answer more concerns personally if you'd allow me this privilege by going to the following website and sending me your questions: bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi This query has required 18 minutes of physician specific review, research, and final draft documentation for envoy to this point.