If you've ever felt suddenly dizzy and it appeared that your surroundings were spinning or moving, you have experienced vertigo. Vertigo can be very disorienting and can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, loss of balance or unsteady gait. Vertigo is not serious and is most likely the symptom of an existing or impending illness. There are steps you can take to relieve vertigo and prevent a more serious injury as a result of falling.
Sitting Down
If you begin to feel dizzy, find a place to sit or lie down, if possible. Many people are seriously injured from falling after feeling dizzy. If you cannot sit, find a stationary object or wall that you can lean against to regain a sense of stability. If it's comforting, close your eyes until the feeling subsides.
Deep Breathing
Breathe slowly and deeply to keep your emotions under control. Getting excited or upset can make matters worse. Try a breathing exercise to reduce anxiety: breathe in deeply through your nose for 10 to 15 seconds. Breathe out through your mouth for 10 to 15 seconds. Repeat until the dizziness dissipates.
Maintaining Hydration and Nourishment
Dehydration and lack of food for energy is a common cause of vertigo or dizziness. Drink water regularly throughout the day to maintain a consistent hydration level. If you have consumed alcohol, it is doubly important for you to consume more water to replenish your body with fluids that the alcohol has removed. Also, be sure to eat at least three meals throughout the day to provide your body with fuel. If you must delay a meal, opt for a healthy snack such as almonds. Limit or avoid caffeinated drinks because they can increase your feelings of dizziness and cause further dehydration.
Medications
If you experience vertigo on a regular basis, you can consider taking an over-the-counter medication for motion sickness such as Dramamine. Medications like these help to minimize the sensation that cause dizziness and help to prevent associated symptoms such as nausea or vomiting. If vertigo appears to be a chronic problem, you should visit your doctor to try and identify the cause.
