Dizziness is a common problem. It is a feeling of unsteadiness or light-headedness. You may feel like you are about to faint. Dizziness can lead to injury if you stumble or fall. Anyone can become dizzy, but dizziness is more common in older adults. This condition can be caused by a number of things, including medicines, dehydration, or illness.

Follow these instructions at home:

Eating and drinking

• Drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale yellow. This helps to keep you from becoming dehydrated. Try to drink more clear fluids, such as water.

• Do not drink alcohol.

• Limit your caffeine intake if told to do so by your healthcare provider. Check ingredients and nutrition facts to see if a food or drink contains caffeine.

• Limit your salt (sodium) intake if told to do so by your healthcare provider. Check ingredients and nutrition facts to see if a food or drink contains sodium.

Activity

• Avoid making quick movements.

  • Rise slowly from chairs and steady yourself until you feel okay.

  • In the morning, first sit up on the side of the bed. When you feel okay, stand slowly while you hold onto something until you know that your balance is good.

• If you need to stand in one place for a long time, move your legs often. Tighten and relax the muscles in your legs while you are standing.

• Do not drive or use machinery if you feel dizzy.

• Avoid bending down if you feel dizzy. Place items in your home so that they are easy for you to reach without leaning over.

Contact a healthcare provider if:

• Your dizziness does not go away or you have new symptoms.

• Your dizziness or light-headedness gets worse.

• You feel nauseous.

• You have reduced hearing.

• You have a fever.

• You have neck pain or a stiff neck.

• Your dizziness leads to an injury or a fall.

Get help right away if:

• You vomit or have diarrhoea and are unable to eat or drink anything.

• You have problems talking, walking, swallowing, or using your arms, hands, or legs.

• You feel generally weak.

• You have any bleeding.

• You are not thinking clearly or you have trouble forming sentences. It may take a friend or family member to notice this.

• You have chest pain, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, or sweating.

• Your vision changes or you develop a severe headache.

These symptoms may represent a serious problem which is an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get medical help right away. Call your local emergency services. Do not drive yourself to the hospital.

Summary

• Dizziness is a feeling of unsteadiness or light-headedness. This condition can be caused by a number of things, including medicines, dehydration, or illness.

• Anyone can become dizzy, but dizziness is more common in older adults.

• Drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale yellow. Do not drink alcohol.

• Avoid making quick movements if you feel dizzy. Monitor your dizziness for any changes.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.