Treatment
Treatment may include:
Dietary and Lifestyle Changes
These may help limit symptoms:
- Bed-rest during acute attacks of vertigo
- Avoid foods that are high in salt and high in sugar
- Drink adequate fluids
- Promptly begin replacing fluids lost to heat or exercise
- Avoid caffeine, aspirin, and smoking
- Minimize stress
- Avoid medications that seem to bring on or worsen symptoms
- Consider a hearing aid, if necessary
- Consider masking devices (white noise) to limit the effects of tinnitus
- Take safety measures to avoid falling
- Consider getting exercise therapy to rehabilitate the inner ear
- Restrict chocolate consumption
- Reduce alcohol intake
Medications
Medications include:
- Drugs to treat vertigo, such as meclizine or scopolamine
- Antiemetics—medications to help control nausea
-
Other medications that may improve hearing, control inner ear swelling, or limit overall symptoms, including:
- Antihistamines
- Cortisone drugs for a short time
- Antidepressants or antianxiety medications
- Diuretics
- Aminoglycoside therapy (such as streptomycin or gentamicin) to permanently destroy the part of the inner ear that deals with balance
Surgery
Surgical procedures are not always helpful, and include:
- Endolymphatic sac decompression—removal of a portion of inner ear bone and placing a tube in the inner ear to drain excess fluid
- Labyrinthectomy—destruction or removal of the entire inner ear, which controls balance and hearing
- Vestibular nerve section
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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