HealthInfo Canterbury

Self-care for vertigo

There are some things you can do at home to prevent vertigo:

• Avoid head movements or head positions that can trigger an attack.
• If you find that one side of your ear or head is more affected than the other, avoid sleeping on the affected side.
• Raise your head on two pillows when resting.
• When getting out of bed, do so slowly and sit on the edge of the bed for a minute, before standing up.

Because vertigo can affect your balance and may make you feel unsteady, you are at risk of falls or accidents. To reduce your risk of a fall or accident:

• Get out of a bed or chair slowly.
• Wear low-heeled shoes that fit properly.
• Use handrails on stairs.
• Install grab bars in the bathroom. Don't use towel racks for balance.
• Use a shower stool. Also, apply adhesive strips to the shower or tub floor.
• Use a walking aid if needed.
• Avoid driving until your symptoms subside. If you become dizzy or disoriented while driving, you could hurt yourself and others.
• At work, let your employer know about your symptoms, especially if your job involves operating machinery or climbing ladders.

Content shared between HealthInfo Canterbury, KidsHealth and Health Navigator NZ as part of a National Health Content Hub collaborative. Page created May 2020.

Page reference: 707749

Review key: HIVER-17706