Department of Otolaryngology (Drs. Wu and JA Beyea) and Department of Family Medicine (Dr. Simpson), Queen’s University School of Medicine, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Hotel Dieu Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada (Dr. Wu); Department of Emergency Medicine & Critical Care Medicine, Victoria Hospital London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada (Dr. MM Beyea) jason.beyea@queensu.ca
The authors reported no potential conflict of interest relevant to this article.
From The Journal of Family Practice | 2018;67(8):490-492,495-498.
References
Management starts with primary and secondary prevention
Patient education is essential for avoiding potential triggers of dizziness. Patients with orthostatic hypotension should be educated about the need to correct the underlying mechanism, including the need for adequate hydration and recognition of offending medications and contributory conditions/situations (caffeine, heat, standing quickly).17 Encouraging balance maintenance through exercise and physiotherapy can help with gait and musculoskeletal disorders, and reducing harmful habits (smoking, poor diet, no exercise) can lead to overall improved cardiovascular health.32 Advise those with Meniere’s disease to avoid potential triggers such as caffeine, high sodium foods, and alcohol.33
CORRESPONDENCE Jason A. Beyea, MD, PhD, FRCSC, Otology/Neurotology, Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, Queen's University, 144 Brock Street, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, K7L 5G2; jason.beyea@queensu.ca.
