Treatment:

Medications to treat peripheral vertigo may include:

• Anticholinergics (such as scopolamine)
• Antihistamines (such as meclizine)
• Benzodiazepines (such as diazepam or lorazepam)
• Promethazine (to treat nausea and vomiting)

Benign positional vertigo is most often treated with physical maneuvers that help reposition small structures in the semicircular canals of the inner ear. This reduces or stops the vertigo.

The cause of central vertigo should be identified and treated as appropriate.

Try to avoid head positions that cause vertigo. Use caution in situations such as driving, walking, or operating heavy equipment. Even short episodes of vertigo may be dangerous.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome depends on the cause.

Complications:

Persistent, unrelieved vertigo can interfere with driving, work, and lifestyle. It can also cause falls, which can lead to many injuries, including hip fractures.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if vertigo is persistent or troublesome.