vertigo

[tammie167]

How long does vertigo normally last? Its been almost a week now. i was given meclizine. my symptoms is just lightheadness. What can i do also to relieve my symptoms?

[DrKalraMD]

Hi, the cause for vertigo should be investigated; “Vertigo is usually associated with a problem in the inner ear balance mechanisms (vestibular system), in the brain, or with the nerve connections between these two organs.

Vertigo can be a symptom of an inner ear infection or of an underlying harmless cause. The most common cause of Vertigo is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV; however, vertigo can indicate the existence of more serious problems, including drug toxicities (specifically gentamicin), strokes or tumors (though these are much less common than BPPV), and syphilis.

Vertigo can also be a symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS). People with MS can feel off balance or lightheaded.

Vertigo can also be brought on suddenly through various actions or incidents, such as skull fractures or brain trauma, sudden changes of blood pressure, or as a symptom of motion sickness while sailing, riding amusement rides, airplanes or in a motor vehicle. Vertigo can also be caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. It is also one of the more common symptoms of superior canal dehiscence syndrome and Meniere's disease”.

Taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vertigo_(medical)

Treatment is usually by antihistaminics (you are receiving one), anti cholinergics etc. Usually in cases of vertigo due to inner ear issues, 3-5 day drug therapy is sufficient for the relief. If no relief is seen even after a week of therapy, further investigations like MRI and change of drug either to cinnarazine or scopolamine could be tried.

[neugier]

What about chronic vertigo. I think i'm have one. I can feel a little strain at the left of the head. Though my CAT scan a year ago revealed nothing. I took betahistine but it didn't help. I'm also experiencing tension headaches.

[ggreg]

Dear Tammie,
Just a couple comments for you.  On how long it lasts, I've known a number of people over the years who have gotten vertigo.  Some of them, it cleared up within a few months.  Others, they still have it.  So, it depends on the origin, which the good doctor discussed for you.

On treatment, since you mention a headache and a strain at the left of your head, there is a chance that a really deep massage over a few days of your shoulders, arms, upper back, neck, and lower head might help those muscles relax and provide some relief.  Also, for similar result, put heat on your left shoulder in the evenings, a little while before you go to bed.

Another treatment, you could also visit an ear-nose-throat doc, if you haven't already, and ask him to wash out your ears, sometimes ear wax can get in there or an infection can be going on in your ear, and he can clean them out and give you some drops to make it go away.
GG
GG