24/7 Emergency Care. Our patients are first.
If dizziness is new, intense, or comes with other symptoms — it’s safer to get checked now.
“Dizzy” can mean lightheaded (like you might pass out) or vertigo (the room feels like it’s spinning). Either way, dizziness can be harmless — or it can be a warning sign of a stroke, heart problem, severe dehydration, or another urgent condition.
Go to the ER right away (call 911 if severe) if dizziness comes with:
Trouble walking, loss of balance, or coordination problems
Face drooping, one-sided weakness/numbness, or new clumsiness
Slurred speech, confusion, or trouble understanding speech
New vision changes (double vision, loss of vision)
Fainting / passing out or feeling like you’re about to
Severe headache or neck pain (especially sudden)
Chest pain, shortness of breath, or a fast/irregular heartbeat
Repeated vomiting or you can’t keep fluids down
Dizziness after a fall or head injury, especially if you’re on blood thinners (play it safe)
If you suspect stroke symptoms, don’t drive yourself — call 911.
Get emergency evaluation for dizziness sooner (even if symptoms come and go) if you:
Have a history of stroke/TIA, heart disease, or serious rhythm problems
Have recurrent fainting or near-fainting with dizziness
Are older (risk rises with age) — especially with new or unusual dizziness
Are on medicines that increase bleeding risk or you have significant dehydration/illness
Lightheadedness vs vertigo (quick, real-world explanation)
Lightheadedness often feels like you might pass out. Common triggers include dehydration, low blood pressure, blood loss, or heart rhythm issues.
Vertigo feels like spinning or motion when you’re not moving. It can be inner-ear related — but sudden vertigo with neurologic symptoms can also be stroke-related and needs urgent evaluation.
When dizziness is less likely to be an emergency
Dizziness that’s mild, clearly linked to standing up too fast, and improves quickly with fluids/rest is often less concerning. Even then, if it keeps recurring, disrupts daily life, starts suddenly without a clear cause, or lasts a long time, it deserves medical evaluation.
ER or urgent care?
Choose the ER if dizziness is severe, persistent, associated with fainting, chest symptoms, severe headache/neck pain, repeated vomiting, or any neurologic signs (speech/vision/weakness/balance issues).
Consider urgent care/primary care only if symptoms are mild, improving, and there are no red flags—and you can walk normally, speak clearly, and keep fluids down.
What Post Oak ER can do for dizziness (Houston)
At Post Oak ER, we can evaluate dizziness quickly and rule out dangerous causes. Depending on symptoms, care may include:
Vitals + neurologic exam, glucose check, and monitoring
IV fluids and medications for dehydration/nausea when appropriate
Cardiac evaluation when symptoms suggest rhythm or circulation issues
On-site imaging (CT / X-ray / ultrasound) when clinically needed (for trauma concerns or to assess serious causes)
24/7 walk-in care for adults and children — no appointment needed
Whether you’re in Westchase, Midtown, or the Heights, getting to Post Oak ER is simple. We’re centrally located near major Houston routes like I‑610 and San Felipe — just a short drive from Memorial Park and River Oaks. Many patients reach us via Westheimer or Woodway Dr., depending on their neighborhood.
We accept most major insurance plans and also welcome self-pay patients with transparent, upfront pricing. Many Memorial-area patients visit us using Blue Cross, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, Molina, and United Healthcare.
Yes. We’re open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our freestanding ER model is designed to minimize or eliminate wait times so you’re seen fast.
No. Walk in anytime. If it’s an emergency, come straight in or call ahead and we’ll be ready: 832-581-2277.
5018 San Felipe St, Houston, TX 77056 — near The Galleria/Uptown. Free, convenient parking right by the entrance.
Yes. Our board-certified emergency physicians care for all ages, including pediatric emergencies.
Chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache/migraine, abdominal pain, injuries and fractures, cuts requiring stitches, high fever, dehydration, allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and more. If you believe it’s life-threatening, call 911.
Yes. We offer on-site CT scans, digital X-rays, and a full laboratory, so most tests and results are done during your visit.
Absolutely. We routinely see patients from Uptown, The Galleria, River Oaks, Tanglewood, and Memorial.
A photo ID, insurance card (if available), a list of medications/allergies, and any recent medical records you have.
We accept most major private insurance plans. Coverage varies by plan; our team will help verify benefits and discuss any out-of-pocket costs. Questions? Call 832-581-2277.
Urgent care handles minor illnesses/injuries. ERs have advanced imaging, lab, medications, and emergency physicians for time-sensitive or severe conditions (e.g., chest pain, severe abdominal pain, serious injury, difficulty breathing).
Yes. If inpatient care or surgery is required, we coordinate a direct transfer to the appropriate hospital.
Times vary by condition and testing, but our no-wait intake and on-site diagnostics help you get answers and treatment as quickly as possible.