• Condition of the inner ear
• Affects hearing and balance
• Symptoms may include dizziness and ringing in the ear
• Cause unknown but may be related to increased fluid in the inner ear, decreased absorption of fluid or may be genetic
• Cannot be spread from person to person
• Affects males and females
• Can occur at any age but most common in middle age adults
• May be mild to severe resulting in permanent hearing loss or causing severe falls
• Not life threatening but can greatly impact function and quality of life

• Avoid caffeine, smoking and alcohol
• Maintain a healthy diet; try lower your salt intake
• Reduce stress

FOR DIZZINESS

• Use caution when driving or operating heavy machinery
• Immediately sit or lie down when dizzy
• Prevent falls by walking carefully and with a cane if necessary and using good lighting

FOR NAUSEA

• Drink clear or ice-cold drinks (avoid drinks high in sugar)
• Eat light, bland foods (crackers or plain bread)
• Avoid fried, greasy, or sweet foods
• Eat slowly and eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Do not mix hot and cold foods
• Avoid activity after eating
• Over-the-counter medicine (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):
  • Diphenhydramine
  • Cyclizine
  • Dimenhydrinate
  • Meclizine