Vertigo

You can reduce your risk of injury when you have vertigo by following these suggestions.

• Avoid driving.
• Avoid working at heights.
• Wear shoes with low heels and nonslip soles.
• Keep your shoes tied.
• Alert family and friends to your condition and how they can help during an attack of vertigo.
• Know whether medicines you take can affect your sense of balance.
• Make your home safer.
  • Do not use throw rugs. Try using nonskid mats.
  • Install grab bars near the bathtub and toilet.
  • Use night-lights.
  • Keep floors dry. This will help prevent slipping.
  • Store household items on low shelves. This can help eliminate the need to climb or reach high. If climbing is essential, use a step stool with handrails.
  • Keep driveways, sidewalks, and interior walkways clear of anything that might cause you to trip.

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You passed out (lost consciousness).
• You have sudden dizziness that doesn't get better.
• You have dizziness along with symptoms of a heart attack. These may include:
  • Chest pain or pressure, or a strange feeling in the chest.
  • Sweating.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Pain, pressure, or a strange feeling in the back, neck, jaw, or upper belly or in one or both shoulders or arms.
  • Lightheadedness or sudden weakness.
  • A fast or irregular heartbeat.
• You have symptoms of a stroke. These may include:
  • Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of movement in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body.
  • Sudden vision changes.
  • Sudden trouble speaking.
  • Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements.
  • Sudden problems with walking or balance.
  • A sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• Vertigo occurs with a fever, a headache, or ringing in your ears.
• You have new or increased nausea and vomiting.
• Your vertigo gets worse or happens more often.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You do not get better as expected.