How to Combat Dizziness

Dizziness is normally caused by a sudden rush of blood from the head. Head colds, low blood sugar and certain medications can all contribute to the symptom of dizziness. Canals in the inner ear monitor motion, and if injury or disease affect these canals, it can result in a loss of balance. Whatever the reason, take caution when combating dizzy spills to keep from falling and injuring yourself.

Instructions

• 1

  Stand up slowly if you have dizzy spells when rising from a chair or bed. Put your feet on the floor and slowly rise from your position to keep the blood rushing from your head too quickly.

• 2

  Drink six to eight glasses of water a day. Dehydration can cause dizzy spells.

• 3

  Alleviate cold and flu symptoms with medications. Allergies, colds and the flu virus can affect the inner ear, causing swelling to the canals that can result in dizziness.

• 4

  Read the warning labels on medications. Some medicines have side effects of dizziness or lightheadedness. Use caution when taking these medications.

• 5

  Try the Epley manuever. Sit down in a place where you also can lie down. While sitting, turn your head toward the side that is most affected by the dizziness and keep your head tilted at a 45 degree angle; then lie on your back for about 5 minutes, keeping your head in the same position. Turn your head to the other side and hold that position for 5 minutes. Then roll onto your side in the direction you are facing without turning your head, which means your face will be facing toward the ground. Remain in that position for 5 minutes, then sit up for 30 seconds. Repeat all these steps two or three times. This exercise helps people with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV, which is evidenced by a spinning sensation whenever the position of the head is changed.