Dizziness is a very common issue and can be the symptom of a variety of conditions. By the time you reach adulthood, it is very likely that you know first-hand what it’s like to have a dizzy spell. It can be described as feeling lightheaded, disorientated, or unsteady, as if your surroundings were spinning. It can be caused by many things – a sudden increase in the intensity of physical activity, hunger, or dehydration, drug or alcohol use, or medication.
Nobody wants to be dizzy, as it can be uncomfortable and, in many situations, dangerous. Let’s talk about how to get rid of dizziness.
Sit or Lie Down
Remaining standing will not help ease symptoms of dizziness. What helps is sitting or lying down – preferably in a dark room – for a few minutes. This can help with steadying yourself. If you are driving, pull over to the side of the road, keep the air conditioning on, and roll down your window to let fresh air in. Avoid getting into a car or operating machinery if you are experiencing dizziness. If you start to feel dizzy while doing a certain activity, stop whatever it is that you are doing, for it may be triggering it.
Medication
If you feel dizzy when going on theme park rides, during flights, or when sailing, medication can be a lifesaver. There are many over-the-counter medications designed to help ease dizziness. Antihistamines can relieve dizziness, as well as nausea. Anti-anxiety medications can also improve dizziness but should be used responsibly, as they can cause dependence. Sometimes, dizziness can be caused by migraines, and anti-migraine medication can ease the symptoms in such situations.
Eat and Hydrate
If you feel dizzy frequently but don’t have an underlying cause or trigger, it could mean your overall health needs to be improved. Sometimes, low blood sugar and dehydration can cause dizziness. Eating light and healthy snacks helps get your blood glucose levels up. A glass of water or an electrolyte drink may also help. Electrolytes help with fluid balance and oxygen delivery to the rest of the body. Additionally, dizziness can be due to low iron. Eating iron-rich foods, such as spinach, legumes, shellfish, dark turkey meat, chicken, or beef, can help with this.
Drink Ginger Tea
Ginger is a powerful natural remedy for nausea and dizziness. A cup of ginger tea or eating ginger chews, or taking ginger supplements may help with your symptoms.
A healthy lifestyle may help in preventing dizziness. Getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and reducing alcohol and caffeine consumption, as well as regular exercise can help reduce the frequency of dizziness. If dizziness becomes more frequent, please see a doctor. Dizziness is not always caused by something benign. It is a known symptom of serious medical conditions, such as neurological disorders, like epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis, as well as traumatic brain injuries. If you are experiencing dizziness often, have yourself evaluated by a doctor.
Neurologist in Farmington Hills, MI
Our board-certified neurologists at Associates in Neurology and AIN Imaging are highly experienced in diagnosing and treating patients with neurological disorders and helping them manage symptoms of their condition. Without appropriate medical support, living with a neurological disorder can be very difficult and isolating, which is why we strive to be there for our patients every step of the way.
To schedule an appointment with one of our neurologists, call our neurology clinic today at (248) 478-5512 or use our convenient appointment request form.