1. Balance Disorders Slideshow
2. Take the Vertigo Quiz
3. Tinnitus Slideshow: Why Are My Ears Ringing?

Medical Author:

Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

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.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

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.

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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
• Patient Comments: Dizziness - Diagnosis
• Patient Comments: Dizziness - Causes
• Patient Comments: Dizziness - Standing Up
• Patient Comments: Dizziness - Treatment
• Dizziness (Dizzy) Index

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.