Vertigo

What are the treatments for the condition?

During an acute attack of vertigo, the person is advised to lie flat on a firm surface and focus on a fixed point. He or she should avoid eating or drinking, which may bring on an episode of vomiting. After the vertigo gets better, the person will probably be tired and need to sleep.

Medications used to treat vertigo are tailored for each person but may include:

Steroids, such as prednisone, are used occasionally to treat vertigo. Medications that suppress the immune system, such as methotrexate, are used rarely.

For individuals whose symptoms are infrequent, chronic medications may be too much. It may be best to treat the attacks as they occur. For those with more frequent attacks, diuretics can be useful.

A person with vertigo may also be advised to follow a special diet. The hydrops diet focuses on limiting the intake of sodium and sugar. This diet also includes restrictions on excess intake of caffeine, alcohol, and monosodium glutamate (MSG). MSG is found in Chinese foods and some prepackaged foods.

Destructive procedures are sometimes necessary for frequent, untreatable spells of vertigo. These procedures can take the form of surgery or medications. Surgery includes removal of the entire inner ear. This procedure can be helpful, particularly in individuals who have lost their hearing. In those who still have reasonable levels of hearing, the balance nerve can be cut.

Certain antibiotics that are toxic to the ear can also be used. When placed in high doses behind the eardrum, they can destroy portions of the inner ear. A choice must be made between deafness and a certain amount of permanent imbalance.

Benign positional vertigo may come and go over a period of weeks or years. For this type, healthcare providers may try a canalith repositioning procedure. While lying on the back, the person extends the head over the end of a table. He or she then turns the head to one side, rolls over onto that side, and returns to a sitting position. This is an attempt to move tiny particles around inside the middle ear. Individuals should consult their healthcare provider before using this technique.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Medications used to treat vertigo commonly cause drowsiness and dry mouth. Surgery carries a risk of bleeding, infection, hearing impairment, and allergic reaction to anesthesia.

Calcium channel blockers have long been used to treat vertigo as well as high blood pressure. However, the findings of two recent studies show that people who take a calcium channel blocker have a much higher incidence of complications than people taking other medications for high blood pressure. The findings of one study, for example, showed that the risk of heart attack was 27% greater. The risk of congestive heart failure was 26% higher. The American Heart Association recommends discussing the risks and benefits of the medication with a healthcare provider.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

If the vertigo goes away or the cause is under control, no further treatment may be needed. Benign positional vertigo often goes away on its own within a few months. Other causes may need further treatment, such as a brain tumor or a stroke.

How is the condition monitored?

People with vertigo can monitor their symptoms at homer. The cause may need further monitoring. For example, those with seizures may need blood tests to monitor the therapeutic drug level of medications. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.