Can I Go to the ER for a Panic Attack?

A panic attack can be overwhelming. Your chest tightens, your heart races — and for many people, panic attack symptoms mimic those of a heart attack or other medical emergencies. 

Experiencing a panic attack can make you feel like something is seriously wrong, so it’s no surprise that one of the most common questions people ask is: “Should I go to the ER for a panic attack?”

At Memorial Springs ER, we provide compassionate, around-the-clock emergency care for a wide range of medical concerns, including mental health-related episodes like panic attacks. Here's how to know whether a trip to the emergency room is the right call.

Recognizing a panic attack

A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort that typically peaks within a few minutes. These episodes can happen unexpectedly, without a clear cause, or they can be triggered by stress, phobias, or other emotional or physical factors.

Common symptoms of panic attacks include:

• Rapid or pounding heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or tightness
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea or stomach upset
• Sweating or chills
• Numbness or tingling
• A feeling of detachment from reality
• Fear of losing control or dying

There’s no denying that panic attacks can feel terrifying, but they’re not life-threatening. However, it can be hard to tell in the moment if what you’re experiencing is anxiety or something more dangerous.

When to go to the ER for panic attack symptoms

First things first: if you're experiencing any sudden symptoms and you’re worried it could be a serious medical condition, it’s a good idea to seek medical care. Otherwise, our team at Memorial Springs ER generally recommends seeking emergency care if:

• This is your first panic attack, and you’ve never had these symptoms before
• You’re experiencing severe chest pain, especially if it radiates to your arm, jaw, or back
• You have a history of heart problems or other medical conditions
• You feel faint or actually lose consciousness
• Your symptoms last longer than usual or are getting worse (if you’ve had panic attacks before)

It’s especially important to visit the ER if you can’t calm down after several minutes or if your symptoms are disrupting your breathing, heart rate, or awareness.

How the ER can help with a panic attack

At Memorial Springs ER, we’re trained to quickly evaluate chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms that often overlap between panic attacks and more serious medical emergencies. We can perform diagnostic tests like an EKG or blood work to rule out cardiac issues and provide fast relief for physical and emotional symptoms.

Even if it turns out to be a panic attack, getting checked out offers peace of mind — and it can also lead to recommendations for ongoing care, like therapy or medication, to manage future episodes.

Never ignore symptoms that feel serious. Whether it’s your first panic attack or you’re worried about something more severe, Memorial Springs ER in Spring, Texas, is open 24/7 to give you the expert care and answers you need. Walk in any time, or contact us to let us know you’re on your way.