| Physicians Vestibular Resources | |
| Criteria
for referral to a dizziness and balance specialist Most patients who suffer from dizziness or unsteadiness first see a primary care physician or go to an emergency room. The primary care or emergency physician should refer to a specialist any patient who meets one or more of the following criteria: 1.) The patient has acute ataxia, characterized by degenerative changes in the brain and spinal cord involves symptoms that include lack of coordination of the muscles used for voluntary movement easily seen in the jerky "to-and-fro" motion of the affected person's trunk and unsteady gait. 2.) The patient has acute vertigo that fails to resolve within a few hours 3.) The patient has dizziness or unsteadiness with concurrent onset of otologic, neurologic, or cardiovascular signs or symptoms 4.) The patient has dizziness or unsteadiness sever enough to cause falls 5.) The patient has dizziness or unsteadiness sever enough to interfere with work or daily activities 6.) The patient has dizziness or unsteadiness that is recurrent or fails to resolve within three months NOTE: Referral of patients who meet Criteria 1, 2 or 3 must be prompt |
