Dizziness
Alternate Names : Dizzy, Lightheadedness
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.
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