In rare cases, vertigo may be associated with a serious medical condition, so you should call 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency room if your sense of imbalance is accompanied by: Shortness of breath. Chest pains. Facial numbness.

When should you go to the doctor for vertigo?

Generally, see your doctor if you experience any recurrent, sudden, severe, or prolonged and unexplained dizziness or vertigo. Get emergency medical care if you experience new, severe dizziness or vertigo along with any of the following: Sudden, severe headache. Chest pain.

Is having vertigo serious?

Vertigo treatments. Vertigo is bothersome, but it's rarely a sign of a serious health problem. Treatment for vertigo aims to treat the underlying cause that's producing the disorienting sensations in order to eliminate the symptoms. If a cause isn't known, your doctor may also treat the symptoms of vertigo alone.