Vertigo. How serious are recurrent and single attacks?

Through history taking and physical examination, the primary care physician should be able to distinguish between the four most common causes of recurrent vertigo. Particular caution is advised when dealing with the first attack of vertigo, because more sinister possibilities may be present, although most of the disorders that cause vertigo are benign. Categories of treatment that can be used include medical, rehabilitative or exercise-related, surgical, dietary, and unconventional (eg, acupuncture, manipulation).