Dizziness is a broad term people use for several uncomfortable sensations—feeling faint or lightheaded, off-balance or “woozy,” or like the room is moving. Clinically, dizziness reflects a problem with spatial orientation: the body’s systems that tell you where you are in space aren’t lining up. A dizzy spell isn’t always dangerous, but it can be alarming and sometimes points to serious conditions such as stroke or heart issues. Even when the cause is mild, dizziness can still lead to falls and injuries, so it deserves attention—especially if it’s persistent, recurrent, or accompanied by other symptoms.

Dizziness can happen while moving, standing still, or lying down. You may notice:

  • Feeling faint or lightheaded

  • Nausea or queasiness

  • Unsteadiness, veering when you walk, or a sense of imbalance

  • A vague “woozy” or foggy feeling

Dizziness vs. Vertigo—What’s the Difference?

Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness that feels like motion when there is none. People often describe it as:

  • Spinning

  • Swaying or tilting

  • Floating or a “boat-on-waves” sensation

Intense vertigo can cause significant nausea and make it hard—or unsafe—to drive or walk. Not all dizziness is vertigo, but when vertigo is present, inner-ear causes are common.

What Causes Dizziness?

Balance relies on a well-coordinated loop among the inner ear (vestibular system), eyes, brain, heart, and blood vessels. Problems in any of these can trigger symptoms.

Common causes include:

  • Inner-ear disorders (very common)

    • BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo): brief, intense spinning with head position changes (rolling in bed, looking up).

    • Meniere’s disease: vertigo spells with ear fullness, tinnitus, and fluctuating hearing loss.

    • Vestibular neuritis/labyrinthitis or ear infections: often after a viral illness; can cause hours–days of vertigo, imbalance, and nausea.
      Treatment may include symptom relief (anti-nausea or vestibular medications) and, when indicated, antibiotics, antivirals, or steroids.

  • Dehydration, low blood pressure, or anemia
    Standing quickly can drop blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension), leading to lightheadedness.

  • Medication effects
    Blood pressure medicines, sedatives, some antidepressants, and others can cause dizziness, especially with dose changes.

  • Migraine
    Vestibular migraines can cause dizzy spells with or without headache.

  • Cardiovascular issues
    Abnormal heart rhythms, reduced blood flow, or, rarely, heart attack can present with dizziness or fainting.

  • Neurologic conditions
    Stroke or TIA can present with sudden dizziness, especially when paired with other neurologic signs.

  • Metabolic causes
    Low blood sugar, thyroid disorders, or electrolyte imbalances.

  • Anxiety or panic
    Can cause feelings of lightheadedness, breathlessness, or derealization.

When Should You Seek Care?

If your dizziness doesn’t go away or keeps coming back, talk with a healthcare provider. Seek emergency care immediately (call 911) if dizziness occurs with any of the following:

  • Chest pain

  • Double or blurred vision

  • Fainting (syncope)

  • High fever

  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the face, arm, or leg

  • Slurred speech, severe headache, confusion, or a stiff neck

  • Trouble walking, a sudden fall, or inability to keep your balance

These can signal stroke, serious infection, or heart problems and should be treated as emergencies.

What to Expect at iCare ER & Urgent Care (Frisco, Forney & Fort Worth)

When you visit an iCare location, our team of exceptional, ER-experienced physicians and clinicians will:

  1. Assess your current status quickly — checking vital signs, oxygen level, hydration, and gait/balance.

  2. Review your medical history and medications — recent illnesses, triggers, new prescriptions, migraine history, and cardiac risk factors.

  3. Perform a focused physical and neurologic exam — including inner-ear/eye exams and positional testing (e.g., looking for nystagmus).

  4. Order tests when indicated — such as EKG, labs (electrolytes, blood counts, blood sugar), and X-ray or other imaging if needed to evaluate for complications or alternative causes.

  5. Provide treatment based on your diagnosis — options may include IV or oral fluids, anti-nausea or vestibular medications, and canalith repositioning maneuvers (for BPPV), like the Epley maneuver. We’ll also address contributing factors—medication side effects, dehydration, or blood pressure changes—and give clear, step-by-step aftercare instructions.

If advanced procedures, imaging, or hospital observation are necessary, we’ll coordinate rapid transfer and communicate directly with the receiving team so your care continues seamlessly.

Home Care & Prevention Tips

  • Hydrate, especially during illness, heat, or exercise.

  • Rise slowly from lying or sitting to reduce lightheadedness.

  • Avoid alcohol or sedatives that worsen dizziness unless prescribed and monitored.

  • Keep a symptom diary (timing, triggers, head positions, new meds) to help pinpoint causes.

  • If you’ve been diagnosed with BPPV, learn your repositioning exercises and when to repeat them.

  • Fall-proof your environment: good lighting, no loose rugs, handrails where needed.

iCare Differentiators

  • ER & Urgent Care under one roof — right-sized care in one visit, with immediate escalation if your condition changes.

  • ER-trained providers — experienced in evaluating dizziness, vertigo, potential stroke, and cardiac causes.

  • On-site diagnostics — EKG, labs, and imaging available for faster answers and safer decisions.

  • Pediatric & adult care — age-appropriate evaluation and family-centered communication.

  • Short waits + online check-in — walk in or reserve your spot online to reduce lobby time.

  • Seamless hospital transfer — expedited coordination and warm handoff when higher-level care is needed.

  • Clear after-care — practical instructions, return precautions, and follow-up planning so you know exactly what to do next.

Bottom line: Dizziness is common, but it shouldn’t be ignored—especially if it’s new, severe, recurrent, or paired with warning signs. For life-threatening symptoms, call 911. For same-day evaluation of dizziness or vertigo in Frisco or Fort Worth, visit iCare ER & Urgent Care—walk-ins welcome or check in online now.

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A psychiatric complaint is considered a behavior or situation in which an individual is having troubled thoughts, exhibiting troubling behaviors, or could be caused by property destruction.

This behavior is present at time of check-in to iCare.

Symptoms of Psychiatric Complaints

  • Confused thinking
  • Reduced ability to concentrate
  • Deep, ongoing sadness, or feeling “down”
  • Inability to manage day-to-day stress and problems
  • Trouble understanding situations and other people 
  • Withdrawal from others and from activities you used to enjoy
  • Extreme tiredness, low energy, or sleeping problems
  • Strong feelings of fear, worry, or guilt

 

General Treatment for Psychiatric Complaints

  • Psychological treatment
  • Interpersonal Psychotherapy
  • Dialectal behavior therapy
  • Antidepressant medication
  • Anti-psychotic medications
  • Mood-stabilizing medications

We do not provide therapy on-site at iCare but can provide patients with resources to seek treatment at a behavioral treatment center or refer you to a medical professional who can develop a treatment plan that may include medications and or therapy for you and manage your care on an outpatient basis. 

What to Expect

When you visit iCare, our exceptional team led by an experienced ER physicians will immediately assess your situation, employ life-saving intervention as needed, assess your medical history and provide a physical examination.  After our ER physician assesses you, they will provide suggestions and resources for you to reach out to a behavioral health treatment center or a referral for outpatient treatment. iCare does not provide on-site therapy or prescribe psychotropic medications but we can provide resources to help you find a specialist to design and manage a care plan designed for you.

A blocked airway—commonly called choking—occurs when food, liquid, or another object obstructs the upper airway and prevents effective breathing. Choking is a true medical emergency that progresses quickly and requires fast, appropriate action by people nearby. If the person cannot breathe, speak, or cough; is turning blue; or becomes unresponsive, call 911 immediately.

What is a Blocked Airway?

Choking is a blockage of the upper airway by food or other objects, which prevents a person from breathing effectively. Because oxygen to the brain is limited within minutes, rapid recognition and decisive action are critical.

Symptoms of Choking

People may show one or several of the following:

  • Coughing or gagging

  • Hand signals and panic (sometimes pointing to the throat)

  • Sudden inability to talk

  • Clutching the throat — the natural response is to grab the throat with one or both hands; this is the universal choking sign

  • Wheezing or noisy/silent breathing

  • Passing out (loss of consciousness)

  • Turning blue (lips or skin)

Additional red flags after an episode include persistent throat or chest pain, ongoing cough, hoarseness, fever (possible aspiration), or a feeling that something is still “stuck.”

Treatment for Choking / Blocked Airway (First Aid)

If you are trained in first aid and the person is awake but unable to breathe or speak:

  • Use age-appropriate techniques (abdominal thrusts for adults/children over one year; back blows/chest thrusts for infants).

  • The Heimlich maneuver may be used: quick, upward abdominal thrusts force the diaphragm upward suddenly, compressing the lungs and pushing air out to help expel the obstruction.

  • Do not perform blind finger sweeps or force liquids, which can worsen the obstruction.

  • If the person becomes unresponsive, begin CPR and have someone call 911.

Emergency rule: When in doubt, call 911.

Seeking Treatment

If you or a loved one is in need of emergency intervention, immediately call 911. For non-life-threatening concerns after a choking event—or if you suspect a partial blockage, aspiration, or injury—visit iCare ER & Urgent Care for same-day evaluation.

At iCare, our team of exceptional and experienced physicians will immediately assess your situation, employ life-saving intervention as needed, and provide a focused physical examination. Your care team, led by ER-experienced physicians, may perform additional testing such as chest X-rays to look for aspiration or injury, as well as laboratory tests when indicated. If a patient requires hospitalization or procedures not performed at iCare, we coordinate rapid transfer and communicate directly with the receiving hospital so your care continues without delay.

How iCare ER & Urgent Care Helps

  • Rapid triage & airway assessment: We check oxygen levels, breathing effort, and signs of ongoing obstruction or swelling.

  • Stabilization & supportive care: Oxygen, suctioning of secretions, and medications (e.g., nebulized therapies or steroids when appropriate) to reduce airway irritation or swelling.

  • Foreign body management: When safe and within scope, removal of visible foreign bodies using specialized tools; otherwise, we arrange the appropriate next step quickly.

  • On-site diagnostics: Chest X-ray to evaluate for aspiration or complications; labs as needed to guide treatment.

  • Clear after-care: You’ll receive simple instructions, warning signs to watch for, and guidance on follow-up—especially important for children and older adults.

When to Call 911 vs. Come to iCare

  • Call 911 now if the person cannot breathe or speak, is turning blue, collapses, or if a button battery, sharp object, or multiple magnets may be involved.

  • Come to iCare for persistent symptoms after a choking episode, suspected partial obstruction, chest discomfort or cough, voice changes, wheezing, or if you simply want a same-day safety evaluation after a scare. Walk-ins welcome; online check-in available.

Prevention Tips

  • Cut food into small pieces and avoid hard, round foods for toddlers.

  • Sit upright while eating, chew thoroughly, and avoid rushing meals.

  • Keep small objects, button batteries, and magnets out of reach of children.

  • Use caution with alcohol or sedatives that dull protective reflexes.

  • Consider taking a certified class in CPR and choking first aid for adults, children, and infants.

Why Choose iCare (iCare Differentiators)

  • ER & Urgent Care All in one facility: Right-sized care in one location, with seamless escalation if your condition changes—no duplicate visits.

  • ER-trained providers: Experienced in airway assessment, stabilization, and urgent procedures.

  • On-site labs & imaging: Rapid X-rays and labs support safer, faster decisions.

  • Pediatric & adult expertise: Age-appropriate, family-centered care.

  • Short waits + online check-in: Be seen quickly and reduce time in the lobby.

  • Seamless hospital transfer: If admission or advanced procedures are needed, we arrange expedited transfer and provide a warm clinical handoff.

  • Clear after-care: Practical instructions and return precautions so you know exactly what to do next.

Bottom line: Choking is an emergency. For life-threatening symptoms, call 911. For evaluation after a choking event—or if you’re worried about a partial blockage or aspiration—visit iCare ER & Urgent Care today. Walk in now or check in online to save time.

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Losing consciousness—often called syncope, fainting, blackout, or passing out—happens when the brain briefly doesn’t get enough blood flow or oxygen. Many episodes are short and resolve on their own, but some signal serious conditions such as arrhythmia, stroke/TIA, internal bleeding, low blood sugar, dehydration, concussion, or seizure. If someone is unresponsive, not breathing normally, has a head injury, chest pain, severe shortness of breath, one-sided weakness, or seizure activity, call 911 immediately.

At iCare ER & Urgent Care in Frisco, Forney, and Fort Worth, TX, our ER-experienced clinicians provide rapid evaluation and treatment all in one location, including EKGs, on-site labs, and imaging when indicated—so you get clear answers and a safe plan forward.

Loss of Consciousness (Syncope) Overview

Syncope refers to a transient loss of consciousness with spontaneous recovery, usually from a temporary drop in blood pressure/heart rate or a sudden change in position. Near-syncope (feeling like you’re about to faint) deserves attention too—it can share the same causes and risks as a full faint.

Common pre-faint symptoms include lightheadedness, nausea, sweating, vision dimming or “tunnel vision,” palpitations, and ringing in the ears. Even when you “come to” quickly, you should be evaluated if the cause isn’t obvious.

Common Causes of Loss of Consciousness and Fainting

Because blood flow and balance are controlled by multiple systems, syncope has many triggers:

  • Vasovagal / Reflex Syncope: Pain, stress, fear, prolonged standing, or heat cause a sudden drop in heart rate/blood pressure.

  • Orthostatic Hypotension: Standing up quickly, dehydration, blood loss, or certain medications cause a sharp BP drop.

  • Cardiac Causes: Arrhythmias, heart attack, structural heart disease (aortic stenosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy).

  • Neurologic Causes: Seizure, stroke/TIA, migraine variants.

  • Metabolic Causes: Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), anemia, electrolyte imbalance, thyroid disorders.

  • Pulmonary Causes: Pulmonary embolism, severe asthma/COPD flare with hypoxia.

  • Situational Triggers: Coughing, urination, swallowing, or post-exercise.

  • Head Injury/Concussion: A fall or impact can both cause and complicate loss of consciousness.

Symptoms and Warning Signs of Syncope / Blackouts

Seek urgent evaluation for loss of consciousness when accompanied by:

  • Chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations

  • New neurologic symptoms: weakness, facial droop, trouble speaking, severe headache, confusion

  • Seizure-like activity: jerking, tongue bite, prolonged confusion after the event

  • Injury from the fall: head strike, severe neck/back pain, bleeding

  • Age >60, pregnancy, or known heart disease

  • Recurrent episodes without a known cause

First Aid for Fainting and Loss of Consciousness

  1. Call 911 if the person is not waking, breathing abnormally, has chest pain, severe headache, seizure, or head/neck injury.

  2. Lay the person flat and elevate legs 8–12 inches (if no injury) to promote blood flow to the brain.

  3. Loosen tight clothing, ensure fresh air, and keep the area safe.

  4. Do not give food or drink until fully awake and alert.

  5. If injured or pregnant, or if symptoms persist, seek medical care promptly—even if they feel better.

When to Seek Emergency Care (Call 911) for Loss of Consciousness

  • Loss of consciousness during exertion or with chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations

  • One-sided weakness, vision loss, severe headache, slurred speech (possible stroke/TIA)

  • Prolonged confusion, repeated episodes, or seizure activity

  • Major injury, significant bleeding, or suspected concussion

  • Known heart disease, abnormal EKG history, or family history of sudden death

For other episodes—especially if this is new, unexplained, or recurrent—come to iCare ER & Urgent Care in Frisco, Forney, or Fort Worth for same-day evaluation.

How iCare ER & Urgent Care Evaluates Loss of Consciousness in Frisco, Forney & Fort Worth

Our team moves quickly to identify dangerous causes and prevent recurrence:

  1. Rapid Triage & Monitoring
    Vital signs, oxygen level, orthostatic BPs, and cardiac/neurologic checks help gauge severity.

  2. Targeted History & Exam
    We review triggers, posture at onset, meds (blood pressure drugs, diuretics, diabetes meds), hydration, recent illness, pregnancy status, and cardiac/neurologic risk factors.

  3. On-Site Diagnostics (as indicated)

    • EKG to assess rhythm or ischemic changes

    • Labs: blood counts (anemia), electrolytes, kidney function, glucose for hypoglycemia, pregnancy test when appropriate

    • Imaging: X-ray or CT if head/neck injury or other concerns; further imaging arranged if needed

  4. Treatment & Stabilization
    IV/oral fluids for dehydration, glucose for low blood sugar, oxygen, and symptom-based medications. Concussion care, wound management, and tetanus updates provided when indicated.

  5. Clear After-Care & Plan
    You’ll leave with written instructions, return precautions, and referrals (cardiology, neurology, primary care) when needed. If hospital observation or advanced testing is required, we coordinate seamless transfer to the appropriate facility.

Prevention Tips for Syncope and Fainting

  • Hydrate regularly; add electrolytes during illness, heat, or exercise.

  • Rise slowly from lying/sitting; consider compression stockings if advised.

  • Eat regularly if prone to low blood sugar; carry quick carbs if diabetic.

  • Review medications with your clinician—some may lower BP or affect heart rhythm.

  • Avoid overheating, prolonged standing, and alcohol excess.

  • Learn your warning signs (sweats, dim vision) and sit or lie down promptly.

Why Choose iCare ER & Urgent Care – Loss of Consciousness Care All in One Location

  • All in one location: Exam, EKG, labs, and appropriate imaging in a single visit—fast answers without extra stops.

  • ER-experienced providers: Skilled in distinguishing syncope vs. seizure, cardiac vs. neurologic causes, and concussion care.

  • Pediatric & adult expertise: Age-appropriate evaluation and family-centered communication.

  • Short waits + online check-in: Walk in or reserve your spot for faster service.

  • Seamless hospital coordination: Expedited transfer and direct communication with receiving teams if higher-level care is needed.

  • Convenient North Texas locations in Frisco, Forney, and Fort Worth.

Blacked out or felt close to fainting? Get evaluated today at iCare ER & Urgent Care in Frisco, Forney, or Fort Worth, TX. Walk-ins welcome—or check in online for prompt, professional care.

Overview

You do everything you can to take care of yourself and your baby when you’re pregnant. You eat right, get exercise, and rest, but when you experience a problem after normal doctors hours or something you feel is urgent, the best course of action is to visit an ER to get the quality treatment you need to make sure you and your baby are safe. Our compassionate team of experienced medical providers at iCare ER & Urgent Care is prepared to provide you with private exam rooms, a highly qualified nursing staff, and a 24/7 ER in Frisco or Fort Worth, TX.

Pregnancy Emergencies

Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized egg is implanted outside of the uterus. Usually, this occurs in the fallopian tubes and is caused by an infection or an inflammation of the fallopian tubes. Symptoms can often mimic those of a regular pregnancy but can differ with pain in the lower stomach or in one side of the stomach, shoulder pain, abnormal bleeding, bladder or bowel problems, lower back pain, increased pulse, or falling blood pressure.

Miscarriage
A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy within the first 20 weeks after conception. Often, the cause is unknown, but a miscarriage usually occurs when the egg does not develop normally in the uterus. Common symptoms include bleeding from the vagina combined with pain, tissue expelled from the vagina, and pain in the stomach, lower back, or pelvic area.

Seeking Medical Care

If you recognize the symptoms listed above, it is necessary that you seek medical care as soon as possible. For both ectopic pregnancies and miscarriages, if you experience a loss of consciousness, severe vaginal bleeding, sudden abdominal or pelvic pain, or feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint, it is imperative that you be seen as soon as possible.

Ectopic pregnancies should be treated at once, using either medicine or surgery, in order to avoid any rupturing or severe blood loss. Miscarriages should be monitored as they occur, or checked out immediately afterward since any tissue that does not pass can cause an infection, scarring within the uterus, and may affect later pregnancies or even cause future infertility.

What to Expect

In our 24/7 ER in both Frisco and  Fort Worth, our qualified physicians will begin your visit with a medical history interview and a physical exam to determine the severity of your symptoms. Afterward, further testing including blood tests, ultrasound and a pelvic exam may be conducted to determine a course of action. Our board-certified medical team will work to ensure your comfort and safety during the process. In the event that a patient requires hospitalization or other procedures that we do not offer at iCare, we are able to transfer them to a hospital for admission.

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