Call 995 if sudden severe dizziness comes with trouble walking, double vision, slurred speech, one-sided weakness or numbness, a sudden severe headache, chest pain or fainting. Tell the dispatcher when the symptoms began and when the person last seemed well. SGH dizziness and vertigo warning signs · SGH stroke symptoms · MOH guidance on calling 995
Sit or lie down somewhere safe to prevent a fall. Sudden severe unexplained dizziness needs prompt assessment, even if the person can still speak. If stroke-like symptoms ease before help arrives, tell responders what happened and when. SGH dizziness and vertigo warning signs · SGH stroke symptoms
- New difficulty standing or walking with sudden dizziness → call 995.
- Chest pain, serious breathing trouble or collapse → call 995.
- Give the onset time and describe what the person could do before and after it began.
On this page · Describe the Dizziness in Plain Language · Keep the Person Safe While Waiting · Frequently Asked Questions
Describe the Dizziness in Plain Language
Say whether the room felt like it was spinning, the person felt about to faint, or they suddenly lost their balance. Describe any double vision, vomiting, hearing change or headache. If they woke with symptoms, tell the team when they woke and when they were last known to be well. SGH dizziness and vertigo warning signs · SGH stroke symptoms
Keep the Person Safe While Waiting
Stay with them and avoid making them stand up to demonstrate the problem. Follow 995 instructions. If another adult is available, ask them to meet the crew at the nearest accessible entrance. Tell the dispatcher if the person falls, becomes less responsive or has trouble breathing. SCDF emergency medical services
Frequently Asked Questions
Could this be urgent without facial droop?
Yes. A sudden loss of balance, double vision or other new neurological signs can occur with stroke. Call 995 if these appear with sudden severe dizziness. SGH stroke symptoms · SGH dizziness and vertigo warning signs
What if it feels like vertigo I have had before?
Seek prompt care if the episode is new in severity or pattern. Call 995 if any emergency warning signs appear. SGH dizziness and vertigo warning signs · MOH guidance on calling 995