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COPING WITH DIZZINESS AND IMBALANCE: SHORT TERM MEASURES AND MEDICAL TREATMENTS
Short term measures
During an episode of severe giddiness grab the nearest support, get into the position in which you feel the most stable or comfortable (this may well be lying down) and keep as still as possible. If you need to move, do so slowly and carefully. Close your eyes or keep them fixed on objects in front of you, and do not turn your head quickly. Explain to whoever is around that you have an illness of the balance system which causes the same symptoms as seasickness and that you need to remain completely still and may need a basin.
Your doctor may provide you with tablets or suppositories, or give you an injection to damp down the signals from your vestibular organ while you are very giddy. However, this kind of medication is not usually considered suitable for continual use as there may be some unwanted side effects. Also, if taken over a long period of time it may prevent the balance system from returning to normal.
Medical Treatments
The best type of treatment for you will depend on the type of dizziness you have. Your doctor will be able to advise you about this. One of the most common medical treatments for persistent dizziness is a long term course of tablets which increases the blood flow to the balance organs in the inner ear. This treatment can be very effective but is not suitable or helpful for everyone, and is not usually prescribed for purely neck or position-related dizziness. Some people may be advised to change their diet. Some have found that cutting down on salt, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol or fluid intake is helpful, but these measures may not necessarily be right for you and should only be tried under medical supervision.
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GENERAL HEALTH
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