How Can I Manage Dizziness?

Do you practice lying down until the dizziness passes and then slowly getting up?

Do you avoid bending down suddenly and getting up abruptly from a sitting or lying position?

Do you move slowly and carefully, without sudden movements?

Do you drink a lot of fluids, especially water (at least eight glass of water a day), and avoid coffee, cigarettes and alcohol?

Are you getting enough rest (seven hours or more of sleep) and trying to avoid stressful situations?

Do you always use handrails when walking up or down the stairs?

Are you engage in activities that improve balance, such as yoga and Tai Chi?

Do you know that you should avoid driving a car, climbing ladders or working with heavy machinery if you have frequent episodes of dizziness?

If you suspect that dizziness is caused by medication, have you talked to your doctor about changing the dose or switching to another medication?

Based on your answers, there are several other ways that can help you manage dizziness. When you feel dizzy, keep in mind that you may lose your balance, fall and probably injure yourself. So avoid sudden movements, but instead move slowly and carefully. When you feel dizzy, sit or lie down until you feel better, and then slowly get up. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, eat healthy and get some sleep. Avoid coffee, cigarettes and alcohol as these substances can make your symptoms worse. It is also recommended that you remove potential tripping hazards at home such as mats or exposed electrical cables.

Based on your answers, you know a lot about how to manage dizziness. If you have frequent episodes of dizziness without warning, do not do anything that could be a potential danger to you, such as climbing ladders, driving a car or using heavy machinery. Dizziness can sometimes be a side effect of medication. In that case, talk to your doctor about adjusting the dose of the medicine or changing the therapy. Tray to avoid stress, do not bend down suddenly and never get up abruptly from a sitting or lying position. Your doctor can also show you head position maneuvers that will help you control dizziness.