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Vertigo-associated disorders

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment

Treatment:

Medications to treat peripheral vertigo may include:

• Antihistamines (such as meclizine)
• Anticholinergics
• Benzodiazepines
• Promethazine (to treat nausea and vomiting)

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 in turn lead to hip fractures .

Calling your health care provider:

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

References:

Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2005:3226.

Rakel P, ed. Conn ’s Current Therapy 2005 . 57th ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders; 2005:226-227.

Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine , 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders; 2004:240-241.

• Review Date: 11/21/2006
• Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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