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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.

more information from eMedicineHealth

WebMD Medical Reference from eMedicineHealth

Reviewed on June 03, 2008
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
© 2006 WebMD, Inc. All rights reserved.

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