Home
Rodale Bookshelf
Symptoms, Their Causes & Cures: Disorientation

Chapter List

Special Limited Time Offer!
Order today and
Save an Extra 15%!
Use coupon code: LSAVE15

Disorientation

WHEN TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR

* Any feeling of disorientation should be discussed with your physician.

What Your Symptom Is Telling You

Sure, it's annoying when you walk out of the grocery store and momentarily can't remember where you parked your car. Yes, it's frustrating when you get lost driving in a strange city. But imagine how terrifying it must feel to be sitting in your own living room and suddenly not have a clue where you are, or even if it's day or night.

This kind of disorientation can be a sign that you're having a panic attack. Other causes include low blood sugar, poor blood circulation or anemia, a seizure, Alzheimer's disease, a tumor, a stroke or a transient ischemic attack—a mini-stroke that can cause temporary stroke like symptoms such as speech difficulties and memory loss.

Symptom Relief

Disorientation isn't a symptom that you should fool around with. This is a serious symptom that should be investigated by your doctor promptly," says Maurice Hanson, M.D., a neurologist at the Cleveland ClinicFlorida in Fort Lauderdale.

If your doctor determines that your disorientation isn't caused by a serious medical condition, then you might consider these possibilities.

Investigate your drugs. Disorientation is a side effect of some drugs. Mention all medications you are currently taking—both prescription and over-the-counter—to your doctor.

Learn to relax. "One-third of young people who complain about disorientation are actually suffering from anxiety or panic attacks," says Robert Slater, M.D., an assistant professor of clinical neurology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia. Practicing stress-reduction techniques such as progressive relaxation, yoga or deep breathing may help relieve your symptoms.

Shop with Us: Brands A-Z; Products A-Z; Autoship; Ways to Shop; Member Discounts

Customer Service: Contact Us; Help Desk; Shipping Policy; Return Policy; Ask a question; Track Your Order

My Account: My Account; My Order History; My Shopping Cart

Health Library: Vitamin Guide; Guide to Herbs; Health Concerns; Home Remedies; Seniors Health; Women's Health

About Us: Our Blog; Our Philosophy; Corporate Discounts; Affliliate Program; Terms of Use

Featured Partners

Email Sign up: Weekly health news, sale announcements and coupons!

Call us M-F 9am-5pm: 1-800-439-5506

Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. Information about each product is taken from the labels of the products or from the manufacturer's advertising material. MotherNature is not responsible for any statements or claims that various manufacturers make about their products. We cannot be held responsible for typographical errors or product formulation changes. You should read carefully all product packaging. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.All discounts are taken from suggested retail prices. Prices are subject to change.