Search results for
The author postulates that many patients diagnosed with Ménière’s disease could actually have semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome (SCSC). By Philippa Thomson “You are correct that Ménière’s disease is over diagnosed. Many physicians diagnose it when they
General Vestibular Support Groups: These are Facebook support groups directed towards any kind of vestibular dysfunction. Vestibular Disorders Support Group Vestibular Hope Vestibular Voices of Care - Facebook support group for family and friends of
Track Your Progress Keeping track of your symptoms, activities, what you eat and drink, and the medications you take can help you see trends that may aid your medical provider in determining a diagnosis and
The use of medication in treating vestibular disorders depends on whether the vestibular system dysfunction is in an initial or acute phase (lasting up to 5 days) or chronic phase (ongoing).
During the acute phase, and when other illnesses have been ruled out, medications that may be prescribed include vestibular suppressants to reduce motion sickness or anti-emetics to reduce nausea. Vestibular suppressants include three general drug classes: anticholinergics, antihistamines, and benzodiazepines. Examples of vestibular suppressants are meclizine and dimenhydinate (antihistamine-anticholinergics) and lorazepam and diazepam (benzodiazepines).
Other medications that may be prescribed are steroids (e.g., prednisone), antiviral drugs (e.g., acyclovir), or antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin) if a middle ear infection is present. If nausea has been severe enough to cause excessive dehydration, intravenous fluids may be given.
During the chronic phase, symptoms must be actively experienced without interference in order for the brain to adjust, a process called vestibular compensation. Any medication that makes the brain sleepy, including all vestibular suppressants, can slow down or stop the process of compensation. Therefore, they are often not appropriate for long-term use. Physicians generally find that most patients who fail to compensate are either strictly avoiding certain movements, using vestibular suppressants daily, or both.
People with vestibular disorders commonly report fatigue as one of their symptoms. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to manage your fatigue. Step 1: Understand Fatigue Fatigue is a general term that describes a
There is increasing evidence on how sex hormones affect the inner ear. Many women report that hormonal fluctuations can trigger their vestibular symptoms. More research needs to be done to conclusively show a connection between hormonal changes and vestibular dysfunction, and until then there are few treatment options available.
Some common questions about the effects of travel on people with vestibular dysfunction include:
“Will travel increase symptoms?”
“Should I avoid travel?”
“What is the best form of travel?”
“What can I do to minimize discomfort while traveling?”
Travel conditions that may be problematic for a person with a vestibular disorder include those that involve exposure to rapid altitude or pressure changes, certain motion patterns, or disturbing lighting. Travel decisions that accommodate a person’s vestibular disorder will depend on the type of vestibular disorder, the method of transportation (e.g., train, boat, airplane, automobile), and the conditions and planned activities at the destination.
Vestibular paroxysmia is an episodic vestibular disorder which usually presents with a high frequency of attacks. This disorder was first described by Jannetta in 1975 as “disabling positional vertigo.” It is also known as microvascular
VeDA provides links to other websites that may be useful for vestibular patients and professionals as a courtesy. If you know of a resource you think would be useful to add, email us at [email protected].
What is Otosclerosis? Otosclerosis is defined by abnormal and unregulated growth of bone within the bony structures that make up the middle ear.1 Any bone within the middle ear can be affected, however, the footplate
What is the placebo effect? First described in the early 1900s, the placebo effect is defined by Oxford Languages as a beneficial effect produced by an inactive drug or treatment that cannot be attributed to