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Lifestyle and home remedies

By Mayo Clinic staff

If you experience dizziness, consider these tips:

  • Be aware of the possibility of losing your balance, which can lead to falling and serious injury.
  • Fall-proof your home by removing tripping hazards such as area rugs and exposed electrical cords. Use nonslip mats on your bath and shower floors.
  • Sit or lie down immediately when you feel dizzy.
  • Avoid driving a car or operating heavy machinery if you experience frequent dizziness.
  • Use good lighting if you get out of bed at night.
  • Walk with a cane for stability.
  • Avoid using caffeine, alcohol and tobacco. Excessive use of these substances can restrict your blood vessels and worsen your signs and symptoms.
  • Work closely with your doctor to manage your symptoms effectively.
References
  1. Kerber KA, et al. Dizziness, vertigo, and hearing loss. In: Bradley WG. Neurology in Clinical Practice. 5th ed. Burlington, Mass.: Butterworth-Heinemann; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/book.do?method=display&type=bookPage&decorator=header&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-7506-7525-3..50021-2--cesec5&uniq=201760123&isbn=978-0-7506-7525-3&sid=1000299571#lpState=open&lpTab=contentsTab&content=4-u1.0-B978-0-7506-7525-3..50021-2%3Bfrom%3Dtoc%3Btype%3DbookPage%3Bisbn%3D978-0-7506-7525-3. Accessed May 19, 2010.
  2. Tusa RJ. Dizziness. Medical Clinics of North America. 2009;93:263.
  3. Branch WT. Approach to the patient with dizziness. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 19, 2010.
  4. Dizziness. In: Duthie EH, et al. Practice of Geriatrics. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/201760123-5/1000319689/1532/147.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2261-9..50021-5--cesec23_308. Accessed May 19, 2010.
  5. Falls and fractures. National Institute on Aging. http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/falls.htm. Accessed May 19, 2010.
  6. Barton J. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 19, 2010.
  7. Eggers SD (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 16, 2010.
DS00435 July 10, 2010

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