Dizziness strikes everyone every once in a while. A small wave of unsteadiness and it’s gone almost as fast as it started. At times though, it doesn’t go away, this is called Vertigo. There are quite a few ways that you can help to alleviate your dizziness and vertigo:
The Basics
Dizziness and vertigo are terms that are often used interchangeably. Be that as it may, there are differences (sometimes subtle) between general dizziness and vertigo.
Definitions
Dizziness
Dizziness is the feeling of being temporarily light headed, feeling faint or general unsteadiness. These feelings can last a mere seconds or a few minutes.
Vertigo
Vertigo is where despite being still, you or your surroundings feel like they are spinning. It can also present itself with ringing in the ears and nausea. This feeling usually lasts minutes to hours or, even a few days. Double vision, blurred vision, trouble swallowing, nausea, weak limbs, and difficulting standing or walking are also common signs of vertigo.
Dizziness
The Causes
There are several possible causes for dizziness in a person. Things like a change in the level of oxygen being delivered to your brain, motion sickness, dehydration, lack of proper diet, or even an ear infection are good examples. Medical conditions are also a common cause of dizziness.
Treatments
Treating dizziness is easiest if you know the cause but, most of the time it is probably unknown.
Sitting or Lying Down
If dizziness hits you while standing, sit down or lay down. This may not help to ease the dizziness much but, it will make sure that you are in a safe spot if you happen to pass out.
Deep Breaths
A sudden change in the amount of oxygen being delivered to your brain is a very common cause for dizziness. Try taking some deep breaths. Once the proper oxygen level is restored, your dizziness will go away.
Drink
Even if you are constantly drinking other things besides water, it is likely your body is dehydrated. That is why the next step is drinking a glass of water or a sports drink. Water is the best option but, a sports drink will deliver some electrolytes that may help to alleviate your dizziness a bit faster. Ginger Ale or Ginger tea can also help in a pinch.
Snack
Hunger is also a pretty large cause for dizziness. When choosing your snack you have a couple of options: In a pinch you can choose a snack that is high in sugar. This will help if you need a quickfix before a meal but, that won’t help you in the long term. You could also choose a snack that is high in protein or carbohydrates instead. Peanuts or a spoonful of peanut butter are typically my go-to choices. If hunger is the cause of your dizziness eating anything will help but, trying to keep your choices healthier will help keep you feeling better longer.
Vertigo
The Cause
Vertigo also has a few different possible causes. The most common cause is when the crystals that line the inner ear, fall out of place and move freely within the inner ear. Other common causes are inner ear infections, medical conditions, viral infections, migraines, dehydration, medications, and head injuries.
Treatments
Drink
Drinking water and staying fully hydrated will help to keep vertigo symptoms at bay. Drinking ginger ale can help to rehydrate you a little bit but, also can help with the nausea that accompanies vertigo.
Sleep
Getting the appropriate amount of sleep is very important for so many health reasons but, it can also help to cure cases of vertigo.
Half Somersault
If you have crystals floating in your inner ear, the half somersault will help to place those crystals back where they belong. You can find instructions on how to do the half somersault here:
Seeking Medical Care
If your dizziness or vertigo continues beyond and trying these things didn’t help, then it is time to seek the opinion of your doctor. When you are talking to your doctor be sure to include things like what triggered it, how long it lasted, treatments you tried. Just like any other illness, providing your doctor with as much information as possible will help them to better diagnose and treat you.
Treating dizziness and vertigo at home can be helpful when it comes to trying to function and move on with your day. Be sure to contact your doctor if these treatments aren’t work as there may be other underlying causes.
