Dizziness (Dizzy) (cont.)
Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM
Dr. Ben Wedro practices emergency medicine at Gundersen Clinic, a regional trauma center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. His background includes undergraduate and medical studies at the University of Alberta, a Family Practice internship at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and residency training in Emergency Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
In this Article
- Introduction to dizziness (feeling dizzy)
- What are some common causes of dizziness?
- Low blood pressure
- Postural or orthostatic hypotension
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Endocrine diseases
- Hyperventilation
- Heart conditions
- Vasovagal syncope
- Dizziness and vertigo
- What are the symptoms experienced when a person feels dizzy?
- When should I call the doctor for dizziness?
- How is dizziness diagnosed?
- How is dizziness/vertigo diagnosed?
- How is dizziness treated?
- Dizziness At A Glance
How is dizziness treated?
Dizziness treatment
Dizziness is a symptom, not a disease, and treatment will be directed to the underlying cause. For example, dizziness or lightheadedness due to dehydration from gastroenteritis may require intravenous fluids and medications to stop the vomiting and diarrhea, while dizziness or lightheadedness from a heart rhythm condition may require admission to the hospital and specialized testing and treatment.
Vertigo treatment
- Vertigo from inner ear problems may often be treated with maneuvers to
reposition the crystals and debris in the semicircular canals.
- Depending upon the reason for the inner ear
inflammation, oral steroid medications to decrease that inflammation might be
prescribed.
- Over-the-counter or
prescription medication is occasionally recommended or
prescribed to help with vertigo. Meclizine (Antivert) may help with control of
mild symptoms.
- In patients with intractable symptoms and vomiting, intravenous
diazepam (Valium) may be considered.
- Patients with Meniere's Disease or acoustic neuroma are usually referred to
an ear, nose, and
throat specialist (otolaryngologist,
ENT physician) for
further evaluation and care.
Next: Dizziness At A Glance
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