Healthopedia.com - Your Health
Encyclopedia

Set Homepage Email Page Favorites      

 
  Home
  Health Centers
  Medical Encyclopedia
  Drugs & Medications
  Diseases & Conditions 
  Medical Symptoms
  Medical Tests & Exams
  Surgery & Procedures 
  Injuries & Wounds
  Diet & Nutrition
  Special Topics
  Pictures & Images      


Google
 
Web Healthopedia.com

You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Medical Symptoms > Dizziness: Treatment & Monitoring
      Category : Health Centers > Brain and Nervous System

Dizziness

Alternate Names : Dizzy, Lightheadedness

Dizziness | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring | Attribution


What are the treatments for the symptom?

Treatment is directed at the cause of the dizziness.

  • Medications can reduce dizziness in some cases. Examples include antihistamines such as diphenhydramine and sedatives such as diazepam.
  • Individuals with low blood pressure may need to stop taking blood pressure medication or have a change in their dose.
  • Those who have anemia may need a blood transfusion to build up their red blood cell counts.
  • Those with an infection may need antibiotics.
  • If a brain tumor is the cause, a person may need surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
  • What are the side effects of the treatments?

    Antibiotics may cause allergic reactions or stomach upset. Surgery carries a risk of bleeding, infection, and allergic reaction to the anesthesia. Blood transfusions may cause infections or allergic reactions.

    What happens after treatment for the symptom?

    If the cause is treated and the dizziness goes away, no further treatment may be needed. This is what usually happens, for example, when the cause is a medication and the person stops taking the medication. In others, dizziness may persist and require further treatment and monitoring.

    How is the symptom monitored?

    Those with dizziness need to be careful, as they may injure themselves or others. People who are dizzy should not drive or participate in other possibly dangerous activities. Further monitoring depends on the cause of the dizziness. For example, those with anemia may need CBC blood tests to make sure their blood counts have returned to normal. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.


    Previous section

     

    Next section

    Dizziness: Prevention & Expectations

     

    Dizziness: Attribution

    Author: Adam Brochert, MD
    Reviewer: Gail Hendrickson, RN, BS
    Date Reviewed: 03/01/01









    Content provided by The Patient Marketing Group, Inc.

    Copyright © 2006 Healthopedia.com All Rights reserved.
    About Us | Help/FAQ | Privacy Policy | Editorial Policy | Advertising Policy | Accessibility | Terms of Use
    Contact Us | Link to Us

    HONcode accreditation seal.

    We comply with the HONcode standard for health trust worthy information: verify here.


    The information provided herein is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. The information should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call your local emergency number for all medical emergencies. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.
    Page Last Updated: 30th May, 2006