The best treatment option for dizziness will depend on the underlying cause. Here are some of the most common treatment options for different types of dizziness:
- Vertigo: Treatment for vertigo may include medications to control symptoms, physical therapy to improve balance and reduce the risk of falls, and exercises to help retrain the brain and improve spatial orientation. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct the underlying problem.
- Lightheadedness: If lightheadedness is caused by low blood pressure, increasing fluid intake and eating a balanced diet can help. In some cases, medications may be necessary to increase blood pressure.
- Presyncope: Presyncope may be treated by lying down or sitting down to avoid fainting, drinking fluids to stay hydrated, and avoiding triggers that can cause dizziness, such as sudden changes in position.
- Postural or orthostatic dizziness: Treatment for postural or orthostatic dizziness may include physical therapy to improve balance and reduce the risk of falls, medications to control symptoms, and exercises to improve circulation.
- Vestibular neuronitis: Vestibular neuronitis is often treated with medications to control symptoms and physical therapy to improve balance and reduce the risk of falls. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying problem.
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is often treated with a simple physical therapy procedure called the “Epley maneuver,” which involves repositioning the crystals in the inner ear that are causing the vertigo.
- Migraine-associated vertigo: Migraine-associated vertigo may be treated with medications to prevent migraines, as well as medications to control symptoms during a migraine attack.
- Meniere’s disease: This condition has no cure, but it may improve with medications, a healthful low-salt diet, antibiotic or corticosteroid injections, or ear surgery.
- Acoustic neuroma: If the tumor grows, you may need radiation or surgery.
- Dehydration: To help treat dehydration, drink plenty of fluids.
- Medications: If medications seem to be causing your dizziness, speak with a doctor about changing your medication or dose.
- Sudden drop in blood pressure: Treatment for sudden low blood pressure depends on the cause or underlying condition, but it may involve adjusting your medications, exercising, or changing positions slowly when standing up.
- Cardiomyopathy: This condition may be improved with medications or lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and eating a heart-healthy diet.
- Heart attack: A heart attack requires emergency treatment, which may include medications, oxygen therapy, or surgery.
- Arrhythmia: Arrhythmia doesn’t always require treatment. Healthy lifestyle choices, such as exercising and eating a balanced diet, can help you manage your symptoms. Heart medications are also available. Surgery is reserved for more serious cases.
- Circulation problems: Circulation problems may improve with regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet, medications, or surgery.
- Excessive exercise or heat exhaustion: Drinking plenty of fluids can help when dizziness is caused by excessive exercise or heat exhaustion.
It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience any type of dizziness, as the underlying cause and the best treatment option will depend on a number of factors, including your overall health, the severity of your symptoms, and the presence of any other symptoms or underlying conditions.