Vertigo

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Vertigo is when you feel dizzy. You may think that you or your surroundings are spinning or tilting even though you are not moving.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Vertigo medicine: Your caregiver may give you medicine to help stop your dizziness. This medicine may help you stay calm and relaxed. Sometimes the medicine can make you sleepy.
  
  
• Antinausea medicine: This medicine may be given to calm your stomach and prevent vomiting.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed. Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Self-care:

• Do not walk without help, drive a car, or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.
  
  
• Move slowly and let yourself get used to one position before you move to another position.
  
  
• Sit or lie down right away if you feel dizzy.

Balance therapy:

You may need to see a therapist to teach you special exercises. These exercises help your brain adapt to the dizziness. This will help decrease your vertigo and improve your balance. Ask for more information about this therapy.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Contact your primary healthcare provider if:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• Your dizziness does not go away.
  
  
• You have some hearing loss or hear ringing or buzzing in your ears.
  
  
• You have questions about your condition or care.

Return to the emergency department if:

• You have blood, pus, or fluid coming out of your ears.
  
  
• You have signs of a stroke: The following signs are an emergency. Call 911 immediately if you have any of the following:
  
  
  • Weakness or numbness in your arm, leg, or face (may be on only one side of your body)
    
    
  • Confusion and problems speaking or understanding speech
    
    
  • A very bad headache that may feel like the worst headache of your life
    
    
  • Not being able to see out of one or both of your eyes
    
    
  • Feeling too dizzy to stand

Learn more about Vertigo (Aftercare Instructions)