Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Can I Do About Vertigo?
Posted on
Thu, 7 Jun 2018
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 7 Jun 2018
Answered on
Fri, 9 Apr 2021
Last reviewed on
Question : I have vertigo what can I do? I am 93 yrs. old
Brief Answer:
different possible causes
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Vertigo has different causes, but most commonly it is related to conditions of the inner ear.
Inner ear causes include- (1)BPPV- benign paroxysmal positional vertigo- in this case, the vertigo lasts a few seconds to minutes. It is worse with certain head positions and comes and goes
It is treated by medication such as antivert or dramamine (helps vertigo and nausea) or valium for a few days along with a maneuver called Epley's maneuver.
There are images available online delaying how to do Epley's maneuver but it is best to be seen by a doctor first to see if this is the cause.
(2)vestibular neuritis- this is the most common reason. In this case, a person may have a history of a previous viral illness just before. The vertigo lasts for hours in this case.
Treated with medications such as those mentioned earlier
(3)meniere's disease- this is associated with hearing loss, tinnitus (hearing abnormal noises in the ear such as buzzing or ringing etc)
Treated with a low salt diet and diurectics
It would be best to consider visiting your doctor or an ENT doctor to determine the exact cause of your vertigo so that you can be appropriately assessed and the right treatment given.
IF this is not an option at this time, then you can use one of the meds mentioned for a short time- antivert, dramamine, valium
I hope this helps , feel free to ask any other questions
different possible causes
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Vertigo has different causes, but most commonly it is related to conditions of the inner ear.
Inner ear causes include- (1)BPPV- benign paroxysmal positional vertigo- in this case, the vertigo lasts a few seconds to minutes. It is worse with certain head positions and comes and goes
It is treated by medication such as antivert or dramamine (helps vertigo and nausea) or valium for a few days along with a maneuver called Epley's maneuver.
There are images available online delaying how to do Epley's maneuver but it is best to be seen by a doctor first to see if this is the cause.
(2)vestibular neuritis- this is the most common reason. In this case, a person may have a history of a previous viral illness just before. The vertigo lasts for hours in this case.
Treated with medications such as those mentioned earlier
(3)meniere's disease- this is associated with hearing loss, tinnitus (hearing abnormal noises in the ear such as buzzing or ringing etc)
Treated with a low salt diet and diurectics
It would be best to consider visiting your doctor or an ENT doctor to determine the exact cause of your vertigo so that you can be appropriately assessed and the right treatment given.
IF this is not an option at this time, then you can use one of the meds mentioned for a short time- antivert, dramamine, valium
I hope this helps , feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
