If you are over the age of 65 years, you are more likely to have a medical condition or take medications that causes lightheadedness. [2] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Medications including drugs to lower blood pressure or pain, prevent seizures, sedatives and tranquilizers can cause lightheadedness. [3] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If you’ve experienced past episodes of lightheadedness, you’re more likely to get them in the future. [4] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
If you have unexplained, quick onset, and severe lightheadedness accompanied by the symptoms such as head injury, severe headache, a very stiff neck, blurred vision, sudden hearing loss, trouble speaking, leg or arm weakness, and chest pain or rapid slow heart rate, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room to rule out a serious condition. [6] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Your doctor will ask you questions about the symptoms of lightheadedness you have as well as about any medical conditions you have and medications you take. Keep a log of the times you feel lightheaded to share with your doctor. Your doctor may order tests or an MRI to pinpoint the cause of your lightheadedness. [7] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If your doctor doesn’t find a cause and your lightheadedness continues, your doctor will discuss possible medications you can take or self-care measures you can use to make your symptoms manageable. [8] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
If your lightheadedness is cause by an inner ear conditions, your doctor may prescribe balance retraining exercises, which is also called vestibular rehabilitation. You may also get a prescription for meclizine (Antivert), diazepam (Valium), or dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) to help immediately alleviate nausea and lightheadedness. [9] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If you have Meniere’s disease, which causes the sensation of spinning, your doctor may prescribe a diuretic and dietary changes, such as a low-sodium diet, to minimize how much fluid your body is retaining. [10] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If you have lightheadedness because of vestibular migraine, your doctor may help you figure out what triggers your attacks, such as diet, stress, sleep and exercise. Your doctor may also prescribe to help prevent attacks or relieve nausea. [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If you suffer from an anxiety disorders, your doctor may prescribe medications and psychotherapy that may relieve your anxiety and dizziness. [12] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If you have anemia, or low iron levels, your doctor may suggest self-care through dietary changes. [13] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If you have hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, your doctor may suggest self-care through eating regular, healthy meals and carrying a snack. [14] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Heart conditions such as abnormal heart rhythm, or arrhythmia, may decrease your blood volume causing orthostatic hypotension, or low pressure when you stand up from lying or sitting down. [15] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Your doctor may suggest the self-care treatment sitting down and allowing your circulation to stabilize when this happens. [16] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Some medications, including anti-seizure drugs, sedatives, and tranquilizers can also cause lightheadedness and your doctor may re-evaluation your use of these treatments if they’re causing your lightheadedness. [17] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Continuing to move or moving suddenly can make your lightheadedness worse, and may cause you to lose your balance. [19] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If you are not laying down and are able, consider putting your head on or between your knees. This will also help stabilize your blood flow and stop your lightheadedness. [20] X Research source
Try breathing to a count to help you focus on stabilizing your oxygen levels and pulse. For example, you can inhale for a count of four and exhale for a count of four. Choose a count that suits you best. [22] X Research source Breathing slowly and deeply will help decrease an elevated heart rate, which also can make you feel lightheaded. [23] X Research source
Natural, whole foods including lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, and legumes will help you maintain normal blood sugar throughout the day, making you less likely to have a spell of lightheadedness. If you often suffer from lightheadedness because of low blood sugar, consider carrying a snack like a granola bar or an apple with you to combat any symptoms that might flare up. If you have low iron levels, incorporate more iron-rich foods into your diet to maintain safe levels of iron and help decrease the likelihood of lightheadedness. Examples of iron-rich foods are red and organ meats such as beef and liver, spinach, and dried beans. [25] X Research source In some cases, not having enough sodium in your diet can cause lightheadedness. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt into a glass of water and this may help regulate your circulation and relieve your lightheadedness. [26] X Research source
You should drink at least 10 glasses of liquid a day to prevent dehydration. Drink 2 US quarts (2,000 ml) or 2 liters of cool liquids every 2 to 4 hours to relieve dehydration and overheating. [28] X Research source Water is the best way to stay hydrated, but you can also drink other liquids such as tea, fruit juice, sports beverages, or non-caffeinated soda. [29] X Research source Hyperthermia, or overheating, and dehydration can make you feel lightheaded. Resting in a cool place and drinking water or a sports drink (Gatorade, Powerade, others) will usually help ease the dizzy feeling. [30] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Remove as many clothes as possible to keep yourself cool and from losing any more fluids. [31] X Research source
Keeping your home well lit and free of hazards that might cause you to trip or fall will also help you avoid serious injury. [35] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
