How to Counteract Dizziness

Dizziness, or vertigo as it is often called, is a medical condition that can be dangerous if it leads to fainting or falling; otherwise, it is not necessarily a problem. It can be treated and sometimes prevented, or it might be a temporary situation that will clear by itself. Depending on the cause, there are various ways to counteract dizziness.

Instructions

• 1

  Move slowly, and hold on to something nearby if you feel dizzy. Look for furniture to lean on while walking to a chair or bed. Sit or lie down immediately, keep still until you feel better and avoid rapid movements.

• 2

  Stop for several minutes after getting up from a chair or bed. Use a cane for balance if needed. Fall-proof your home by removing area rugs or exposed electrical cords, and use non-slip mats in the bathroom, says MayoClinic.com.

• 3

  Check with your family doctor about the cause of your dizziness. Discuss with your doctor the possibility that sedatives, antihistamines, anti-seizure medication, tranquilizers or blood pressure medication can cause dizziness. Ask if you can take medication such as Antivert to combat your dizziness. Discuss the possibility that headaches are causing your dizziness, and If so, ask for help with that condition.

• 4

  Visit an ear, nose and throat doctor to eliminate a possible middle ear infection. Get special maneuvers to stabilize the middle ear if you have an infection or inflammation that requires this. These maneuvers involve a procedure in which the doctor or physical therapist maneuvers the position of the head to treat dizziness. The doctor jolts the patient's head back and forth several times to clear the ear canal.

• 5

  Avoid stress and anxiety. Follow through with psychotherapy if recommended by your physician.

• 6

  Eat appropriately, and don't skip meals. Avoid oily foods, artificial sweeteners and excess sugar or salt. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to stay hydrated, and avoid caffeine and tobacco.

• 7

  Do the recommended exercises twice daily for balance and changing positions to avoid or counteract dizziness. This is also referred to as benign positional vertigo. Start by looking up and then down slowly and then faster at least 20 times. Follow by turning from one side to the other slowly and then faster 20 more times, according to "Ear, Nose and Throat Associates of N.Y."

• 8

  Do head exercises such as bending your head forward then backwards with eyes open until dizziness improves. Follow by doing the exercise with eyes closed. Turn your head from side to side several times.

• 9

  Shrug your shoulder and then turn to each side at least 20 times. Throw objects on the floor, and pick them up one at a time, suggests "Ear, Nose and Throat Associates of N.Y."

• 10

  Change from sitting to standing position, and then do the reverse. Do it with your eyes open at first, and then again with eyes closed.