Whiplash Dizziness After an Accident
Feeling dizzy, unsteady, or like the room is moving after a crash is common, and it has more than one possible cause that a doctor needs to sort out.
We are not a law firm or a medical provider. We connect you with doctors who treat these injuries.
Why this happens
Injured neck joints and muscles send faulty position signals to the brain, which can cause cervicogenic dizziness. The impact can also disturb the inner ear, causing a spinning sensation when you roll over or look up, or it can cause a concussion that affects balance and focus. Because the causes differ, so does the treatment, which can include physical therapy, vestibular rehabilitation, or concussion care.
When this is a medical emergency
Go to an emergency room right away, don't wait for a regular appointment, if you have:
- Dizziness with fainting, chest pain, or a racing heartbeat
- Slurred speech, double vision, or weakness on one side
- A severe headache or repeated vomiting with the dizziness
- Sudden hearing loss in one ear
Commonly linked to these accident types
This symptom shows up often after these kinds of accidents. Find help specific to your situation.
Whiplash Dizziness: find a doctor by city
Pick your city to see local care options, or contact us directly. We cover all of California.
Southern California
- Anaheim
- Bell Gardens
- Burbank
- Canoga Park
- Chula Vista
- Compton
- Costa Mesa
- Downey
- East LA Community
- East Los Angeles
- El Cajon
- El Monte
- Escondido
- Fullerton
- Garden Grove
- Glendale
- Huntington Beach
- Inglewood
- Irvine
- Koreatown
- Lake Forest
- Lancaster
- Long Beach
- Los Angeles
- Norwalk
- Oceanside
- Orange
- Oxnard
- Palmdale
- Pasadena
- Pomona
- San Diego
- Santa Ana
- Santa Clarita
- Simi Valley
- South Los Angeles
- Thousand Oaks
- Torrance
- Van Nuys
- Ventura
- Vista
- West Covina
Inland Empire
Bay Area
North Bay
Greater Sacramento
Central Coast
Care options for this symptom
Doctors and treatment
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Frequently asked questions
How long does whiplash dizziness last?
It varies. Some people improve in a few weeks, others have symptoms for months, particularly when it is tied to a concussion or inner-ear problem that was never treated.
Can dizziness appear days after the accident?
Yes. Dizziness, like neck pain, can start a day or several days later as inflammation builds. Delayed onset does not make it unrelated to the crash.
What kind of doctor treats dizziness after a crash?
Usually it starts with an accident injury doctor who can rule out a concussion or anything urgent, then a referral to physical therapy, a neurologist, or a vestibular specialist as needed.
Related guides
- Car AccidentsWhat to Do After a Car Accident With No InsuranceBeing in a car accident without insurance is stressful, but you still have options. Learn the steps to take immediately after a crash to protect your health and your rights in California.
- Medical CareDo I Need a Lawyer to See a Doctor After a Crash?No, you do not need a lawyer to get medical treatment after an accident. Many California clinics and providers will treat you on a lien basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront.
- ResourcesFree Medical Help for Undocumented Victims in CaliforniaUndocumented accident victims in California have the right to emergency medical care regardless of immigration status. This guide covers free and low-cost options available to you.