Dizziness is the feeling of being lightheaded, woozy, or unbalanced, also known as dizzy spells or Benign Positional Vertigo (BPV). It affects the sensory organs, specifically the eyes and ears, so it can sometimes cause fainting. Dizziness isn’t a disease, but rather a symptom of various disorders.
Symptoms:
People experiencing dizziness may feel various sensations, including:
• Light-headedness or feeling faint
• A false sense of spinning
• Unsteadiness
• Loss of balance
• Feeling of floating or swimming
Sometimes, dizziness is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or fainting. Seek emergency medical help if you have these symptoms for extended periods.
Treatments:
Treatment for dizziness focuses on the underlying cause. In most cases, home remedies and medical treatments can control the cause of dizziness.
For example:
• Inner-ear issues may be managed with medications and at-home exercises that can help control balance.
• Benign Positional Vertigo (BPV) can be resolved with manoeuvres that can help alleviate symptoms. Surgery is an option for patients whose BPV is not otherwise controlled.
• Meniere’s disease is treated with a healthful low-salt diet, occasional injections, or ear surgery.
• Migraines are treated with medications and lifestyle changes, such as learning to identify and avoid migraine triggers.
• Medication and anxiety-reducing techniques can help with anxiety disorders.
• Drinking plenty of fluids can help when dizziness is caused by excessive exercise, heat, or dehydration.
