How can dizziness or vertigo be treated?
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Treatment for vertigo and dizziness are based on the cause of each condition. The first step is to diagnose and then treat cause. Fortunately, vertigo and dizziness are often easily diagnosed and treated. Medications such as antihistamines and promethazine for nausea and vomiting may be prescribed in more severe cases; however, medications, in general, are not usually recommended to treat just the symptoms of your vertigo and dizziness.Treatment for vertigo and dizziness are based on the cause of each condition. The first step is to diagnose and then treat cause. Fortunately, vertigo and dizziness are often easily diagnosed and treated. Medications such as antihistamines and... More
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Dr. Kathleen Mullin of The Mount Sinai Medical Center answered:The first thing that needs to be addressed when dealing with a dizzy patient is to clarify what exactly that word means to them. Dizziness can further be described as light-headed or faint, off balance, or vertiginous. This differentiation is important to establish from the beginning as it dictates the treatment.
If you are feeling light headed, or like you may faint, that may be a sign of low blood pressure, dehydration or low blood sugar. Drink a lot of fluids, make sure you are not skipping meals, and go through any medications you are taking with your primary physician as many can cause low blood pressure and subsequent dizziness.
If your feelings are more that of disequilibrium or room spinning, you should see a neurologist. After obtaining a full history and performing a careful neurologic examination, you may need to undergo an MRI to make sure the sensation isn't secondary to something in your cerebellum- which is our brain’s center of balance. Often, feeling off balance does not arise from your brain but rather, your inner ear. In this case, you may be sent to an ENT for further work up. When the dizziness stems from an ear issue, there is not only medication to alleviate the symptoms but also exercises that you can do at home to help prevent the onset of dizziness.
Helpful? 3 people found this helpfulThe first thing that needs to be addressed when dealing with a dizzy patient is to clarify what exactly that word means to them. Dizziness can further be described as light-headed or faint, off balance, or vertiginous. This differentiation is... More -
Dr. Audrey Halpern answered:Vertigo/dizziness is an interesting and common problem. It, unfortunately, is very difficult to treat. Keep yourself well hydrated and ask your doctor if any of your medications can be adding to the problem. Often times it will go away on its own, if it is from a benign cause. In severe chronic cases of vertigo, a special type of rehabilitation can be useful.Vertigo/dizziness is an interesting and common problem. It, unfortunately, is very difficult to treat. Keep yourself well hydrated and ask your doctor if any of your medications can be adding to the problem. Often times it will go... More -
Treatment for vertigo, or dizziness, depends on identifying and eliminating the underlying cause. If a particular medication is responsible for the condition, lowering the dosage or discontinuing the drug may eliminate vertigo.
Medications: A low salt diet and a prescription diuretic, or water pill (such as hydrochlorothiazide), may reduce the frequency of attacks of dizziness in some individuals. Because diuretic medications cause the individual to urinate more frequently, their body may become depleted of certain minerals, such as potassium. Healthcare providers may recommend taking a potassium supplement or eating three or four extra servings of potassium-rich foods a week, such as bananas.
A middle ear injection consists of a healthcare professional injecting gentamicin (Garamycin®, a toxic antibiotic) in the inner ear, through the eardrum and into the inner ear. The gentamycin can now be absorbed. This reduces the balancing function of the individual's ear, and their other ear assumes responsibility for balance. The procedure, which can be performed with local anesthesia in a doctor's office, often reduces the frequency and severity of vertigo attacks.
Anti-vertigo medications, such as meclizine (Antivert®), may provide temporary relief from vertigo. Anti-nausea medication is sometimes prescribed, such as prochlorperazine (Compazine®). Anti-anxiety drugs, such as alprazolam (Xanax®), may also be used if the individual has vertigo due to anxiety. Anti-vertigo, anti-nausea, and anti-anxiety medications may cause drowsiness. Alprazolam is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. These medications may cause physical and psychological addiction.
Anticholinergic medications may also be used to decrease dizziness. These drugs include scopolamine patches (Transderm Scop®).
Vestibular neurectomy: A vestibular neurectomy involves cutting the nerve that controls balance (vestibular nerve). When intense vertigo is experienced, a vestibular neurectomy may be done to surgically destroy the entire inner ear. The individual's other ear then takes over the balance function.
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Treatment for vertigo, or dizziness, depends on identifying and eliminating the underlying cause. If a particular medication is responsible for the condition, lowering the dosage or discontinuing the drug may eliminate vertigo. Medications: A... More
