How to Ease Vertigo During Blood Donation

Donating blood is a simple procedure. However, for some, donating blood can cause vertigo. Symptoms of vertigo include dizziness, lightheadedness and nausea. If you experience vertigo during blood donation, don't worry. There are things that can be done to help ease vertigo during blood donation. Here's a few of them.

Instructions

• 1

  Lie down on a table while having your blood drawn. Lying down will help cut down on dizziness that you may experience if you have your blood drawn while sitting straight up in a chair.

• 2

  Use acupressure while your blood is being drawn. Using a finger, press down firmly on the inside center of your wrist below the folds of your wrist. Use your free hand (on the arm not being used in the donation) to press down on the wrist of the arm being used for the donation. This can help minimize vertigo during the donation procedure.

• 3

  Sit up slowly after the blood has finished being drawn. Ask the nurse or phlebotomist to help you sit up. Sit on the edge of the table with your feet and legs hanging off the table edge. Sit here until you feel that any vertigo has subsided and you feel safe to get up and walk out on your own.

• 4

  Have a drink after donating blood. A cold drink of water or a cold, sugary drink such as juice can help lessen any feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness after a blood donation.

• 5

  Eat a small, sugary snack after donation, such as cookie. The sugar introduced to your system can help lessen any symptoms of vertigo that may occur during blood donation.

• 6

  Try to relax. Above all, try to remain as relaxed as possible during the blood donation procedure. If you are calm and relaxed, you are less likely to suffer from vertigo when you donate blood.