Dizziness Treatment

Self-Care at Home

• Dizziness may be a symptom of something dangerous and should always be discussed with a doctor.
  
  
• At home, it is recommended for the patient to do the following:
  
  
  • Get plenty to drink, have regular meals, and get plenty of rest.
    
    
  • Standing up more slowly may help dizziness associated with position changes.
    
    
  • Reassurance can help an anxious person who feels dizzy.
    
    
  • Make your home safe for a chronically dizzy person.
    
    
    • Banisters, a walker or cane, and tub mats are safety measures that may help avoid injury to the patient.
      
      
    • Secure rugs and carpeting to avoid falls.
      
      
  • A doctor can recommend resources for a professional home-safety consultant visit.

Medical Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of the patient's dizziness.

• Doctors may start emergency treatment, perhaps for heart attack or stroke, an emergency blood transfusion, or surgery.
  
  
• Often, IV fluids are given to treat dehydration.
  
  
• The patient may receive medications to control fever or treat infection.
  
  
• The patient may be given oxygen right away.
  
  
• If blood tests reveal abnormal blood chemistry (electrolyte levels), this will be corrected.
  
  
• Other treatments for a specific disease may be started.
  
  
• Sometimes, the only treatment may be a discussion of a likely cause and home safety.