Dizziness: Light-headedness and Vertigo

Home Treatment

Light-headedness usually is not a cause for concern unless it is severe, does not go away, or occurs with other symptoms such as an irregular heartbeat or fainting. Light-headedness can lead to falls and other injuries. Protect yourself from injury if you feel light-headed:

• Lie down for a minute or two. This will allow more blood to flow to your brain. After lying down, sit up slowly and remain sitting for 1 to 2 minutes before slowly standing up.
• Rest. It is not unusual to develop light-headedness during some viral illnesses, such as a cold or the flu. Resting will help prevent attacks of light-headedness.
• Do not drive a motor vehicle, operate equipment, or climb on a ladder while you are dizzy.
• Do not use substances that can affect your circulation, including caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs.
• Do not get dehydrated, which can cause or increase light-headedness, when you have an illness that causes diarrhea, vomiting, or a fever. Drink more fluids, especially water. Other fluids are also helpful, such as fruit juice mixed to half-strength with water, rehydration drinks, weak tea with sugar, clear broth, and gelatin dessert. If you have another medical condition, such as kidney disease or heart disease, that limits the amount of fluids you are allowed to have, do not drink more than this amount without first talking to your doctor.

If you have vertigo:

• Do not lie flat on your back. Prop yourself up slightly to relieve the spinning sensation.
• Move slowly to avoid the risk of falling.

Symptoms to Watch For During Home Treatment

Use the Check Your Symptoms section to evaluate your symptoms if any of the following occur during home treatment.

• Nausea or vomiting develops or increases.
• Moderate to severe dehydration develops.
• Fainting occurs.
• Your symptoms do not improve in 1 week with the use of home treatment.
• Your symptoms become more severe or frequent.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: April 17, 2007
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology
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