Vertigo is a feeling of movement in the body or surroundings when there is no actual movement.
Usually, the movement is felt as a rotational motion (a spinning or rolling sensation), but some patients simply feel pulled to one side. Vertigo is not a diagnosis but a description of the sensation.
Vertigo is often classified as peripheral or central.
Peripheral dizziness is usually due to dysfunction in the peripheral vestibular system.
Central dizziness is usually due to dysfunction in the brainstem or cerebellum.
Both dizziness and vertigo can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting or difficulty with balance, difficulty walking, or both.
People often use the words dizziness and other terms interchangeably and inconsistently, in part because these sensations can be difficult to describe. Patients with the same underlying disorder may describe their symptoms very differently. A patient may even give different descriptions of the same dizziness event, depending on how the question is phrased. As a result, clinicians often have to consider both symptoms together.
Regardless of how they are described, dizziness and lightheadedness can be uncomfortable and even disabling, especially when accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The symptoms pose significant challenges for people performing difficult or dangerous tasks, such as driving, flying, or operating heavy machinery. Importantly, dizziness and lightheadedness are high risk factors for falls, especially in older adults.
Occasional dizziness often resolves on its own. In general, if you feel dizzy, try lying down for a few minutes. Get up very slowly, without making sudden movements. Then, stand up slowly. This may help.
Here are some home remedies for dizziness, depending on the cause:
- Dehydration: If you are overheated or dehydrated, drink fluids, move to a cool or shady place, and rest. Water is fine, but you may want to try sports drinks, which have electrolytes and minerals that can speed up the hydration process.
- Medications: Check the side effects of your medications to see if they could be causing your dizziness. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your dizziness. If your dizziness is caused by an over-the-counter medication, your pharmacist may be able to suggest a different medication. If it is a prescription medication, there may be tips on when and how to take it to reduce the risk of dizziness. If not, talk to your doctor to see if there are other medications you can take instead.
- Low blood sugar: A quick fix is to eat or drink something sugary, like juice or hard candy. But if you have diabetes, talk to your doctor about the best way to treat low blood sugar.
If your dizziness is caused by something more serious, such as a concussion, illness, or injury, you should see your doctor. You may need treatment for the cause, such as antibiotics to treat an ear infection.
