Nystagmus benign paroxysmal positional: when to get help
Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency care for vertigo accompanied by signs that may indicate a stroke or another urgent condition, including:
New facial drooping, arm or leg weakness, or numbness
Trouble speaking, understanding speech, swallowing, or seeing
A sudden severe headache unlike your usual headaches
New inability to stand or walk, even with support
Fainting, chest pain, or severe breathing difficulty
Symptoms beginning after a significant head injury
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek prompt medical advice if:
Symptoms persist despite repositioning treatment
Attacks are becoming more frequent or no longer position-related
You have a new loss of hearing, ear fullness, or persistent ringing
Vomiting prevents you from keeping fluids down
Unsteadiness is causing falls or limiting normal activities
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine medical assessment if you have new, repeated vertigo triggered by head position.
Positional testing can help confirm whether BPPV is responsible and identify the correct treatment manoeuvre.
The article also says
Continuous severe vertigo with neurological symptoms is not the typical pattern of BPPV.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Nystagmus benign paroxysmal positional. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.