Fall Because of Dizziness, Weakness, or Loss of Balance

Home care

• If you become lightheaded or dizzy, lie down right away or sit and lean forward with your head down. It's better to do this than fall and seriously hurt or injure yourself.

• Rest today. When changing position, take a moment to be sure any dizziness goes away before standing and walking.

• If you have been prescribed a walker, be sure to use it whenever you walk, even if it's a short distance.

• If you were injured during the fall, follow the advice from your health care provider regarding care of your injury.

• Tell your provider about all the medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you take. Some medicines can cause dizziness.

• Cut back on alcohol use.

• Don't drive until your provider says it's okay. You don't want to have a dizzy spell when you' re driving.

Follow-up care

Unless you're given other advice, call your primary health care provider on the next office day to advise of your fall and to schedule a follow-up appointment. You may need further treatment for the underlying condition that caused the fall.

If an X-ray or a CT scan was done, you'll be told of the results, especially if it affects treatment.

Call 911

Call 911 if any of these occur:

• Trouble breathing

• Confused or trouble arousing

• Fainting or loss of consciousness

• Rapid or very slow heart rate

• Seizure

• Trouble with speech or vision, weakness of an arm or leg

• Trouble walking or talking, loss of balance

• Numbness or weakness in 1 side of your body, facial droop

When to get medical advice

Contact your health care provider right away if you have:

• Another fall.

• More dizzy spells.

• A severe headache.

• Blood in your vomit or stools (black or red color).