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Dizziness & Balance Treatments

Best-in-Class for Dizziness and Balance Disorders

Emory Healthcare ranks among the top facilities in Georgia for neurological care. If you’re experiencing dizziness or unsteadiness, our specialists can help you get back on your feet.

Each patient’s condition is different. Our doctors and vestibular physical therapists provide personalized care based on the underlying cause of your condition and overall health.

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When to Seek Medical Help for Dizziness or Vertigo

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following alongside your dizziness or vertigo:

  • Bleeding
  • Confusion or difficulty understanding those around you
  • Diarrhea
  • Feelings of weakness or numbness in your arms, hands, legs or face
  • Sudden, bad headache
  • Trouble talking, chewing or swallowing
  • Trouble walking
  • Vision changes, especially double-vision or vision loss/blackouts
  • Vomiting whenever you eat or drink
  • New, severe, continuous dizziness never experienced before (possible sign of stroke).

Call 9-1-1 right away, as these symptoms may be an emergency. You should not drive yourself to the hospital.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes to Treat Dizziness

Sometimes the simplest of tweaks can slow or stop dizziness or imbalance.

Your doctor will discuss your dietary habits and needs. General advice to help reduce dizziness typically includes:

  • Avoid beverages that contain alcohol and caffeine.
  • Drink enough fluid, especially water and clear liquids, to keep your urine very pale yellow.
  • Track if your dizziness gets worse after eating specific foods, such as dark chocolate, aged cheese and/or cured meats.

Your doctor may offer other recommendations.

  • Avoid bending down for too long, or if you feel dizzy at all
  • Avoid nicotine, tobacco and recreational drug use
  • Choose a friend or family member to notify if you feel dizzy, and who can spot changes in your behavior
  • Do not drive or operate machinery
  • Do not make quick movements or motions
  • Lower your stress levels through yoga, meditation and therapy
  • Move your legs often when you stand
  • Stand up slowly and hold onto something sturdy until you feel stable

Physical Therapy to Treat Dizziness and Imbalance

The experts at Emory’s Dizziness and Balance Center offer personalized physical therapy programs to reduce your dizziness and steady on your feet.

 

These therapies include:

The amount of time you’ll spend in physical therapy is based on your needs. Our patients typically visit the center every 1-2 weeks for a total of four to eight visits.

 

Medical Treatments

Do not take over-the-counter (OTC) treatments, such as meclizine, any more than what's absolutely necessary since some OTC medications can actually make your dizziness worse in the long run. Depending on the specific cause of your dizziness, your doctor may recommend a specific medicine, vitamin or mineral to take daily to help treat and/or prevent the root cause of your dizziness.

 

Dizziness and Balance Conditions

Vertigo and dizziness are common symptoms of an underlying condition.

Find an Emory Doctor

Emory Healthcare doctors provide specialized treatment and research the latest advancements.

Explore our Network

To expand your options, explore our network of providers throughout Atlanta and the surrounding counties.
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Make an Appointment with Emory Neurology & Neurosurgery

Create a MyChart account to schedule online.

For the neurology department, call 404-778-3444.

For the neurosurgery department, call 404-778-5770.

network_intelligence

Make an Appointment with Emory Neurology & Neurosurgery

Create a MyChart account to schedule online.

For the neurology department, call 404-778-3444.

For the neurosurgery department, call 404-778-5770.