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What is dizziness?
by dizziness.

How does it occur?
Sometimes it is a signal of some other problem.
possible cause is labyrinthitis, which is inflammation of the inner ear. Meniere's disease and benign
positional vertigo are other inner ear problems that can trigger dizziness.
Older people who have atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) or osteoarthritis of the joints in the neck
necessarily caused by disease.
Some psychological problems can cause dizziness. Examples of such problems are depression, agoraphobia
(the fear of open spaces), and hyperventilation (rapid, shallow breathing that may happen when you are
feeling anxious).
Rare causes of dizziness include tumors or infections in the brain, or multiple sclerosis.
How is it diagnosed?
such as tumors or strokes.
How is it treated?
mechanism in your inner ear. These drugs are usually antihistamines, for example, drugs you might take for
motion sickness, such as meclizine.
For mild dizziness that lasts for more than a few days, your health care provider may suggest that you walk
as much as possible to allow your body and other senses to compensate for the loss of balance in your inner

How long will the dizziness last?
dizziness can last 4 to 6 weeks.

How can I take care of myself?
try to avoid those positions or activities that cause the dizziness. Move slowly, especially when standing up.
not operate machinery when you are dizzy.
Call your health care provider if:
repeated attacks of dizziness.
Published by McKesson Health Solutions LLC. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation,
advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Developed by McKesson Health Solutions LLC. Copyright © 2003 McKesson Health
Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.

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Copyright © Clinical Reference Systems 2004 Adult Health Advisor

Copyright © 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.