What is meclizine used for. How does meclizine work to treat vertigo. What are the common side effects of meclizine. How should meclizine be taken for maximum effectiveness. Are there any precautions or interactions to be aware of when taking meclizine.

Understanding Meclizine: A Comprehensive Overview

Meclizine is an antihistamine medication that plays a crucial role in reducing the effects of histamine in the body. This powerful drug is primarily used to treat or prevent nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness. Additionally, it’s effective in managing symptoms of vertigo, which is characterized by a spinning sensation or dizziness caused by inner ear disorders.

Marketed under various brand names such as Antivert, Bonine, D-Vert, and Dramamine Less Drowsy, meclizine belongs to the drug class of anticholinergic antiemetics. Its versatility in treating multiple conditions related to balance and motion makes it a popular choice among healthcare providers.

The Science Behind Meclizine’s Effectiveness

Meclizine works by blocking the histamine receptors in the brain, which are responsible for triggering symptoms like nausea and dizziness. By inhibiting these receptors, meclizine helps to alleviate the uncomfortable sensations associated with motion sickness and vertigo.

Is meclizine effective for all types of dizziness? While meclizine is highly effective for vertigo and motion sickness-induced dizziness, it may not be suitable for all types of dizziness. It’s particularly useful for dizziness caused by inner ear problems, but may not be as effective for dizziness resulting from other medical conditions.

Proper Usage and Dosage Guidelines

To ensure maximum effectiveness, it’s crucial to use meclizine exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. The dosage and frequency may vary depending on the condition being treated and individual patient factors.

• For motion sickness prevention: Take meclizine about 1 hour before travel or activity that may cause motion sickness. A dose can be taken every 24 hours while traveling.
• For vertigo treatment: Multiple daily doses may be necessary. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
• Chewable tablets should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing.

How quickly does meclizine work? Meclizine typically starts working within an hour of ingestion. However, for optimal prevention of motion sickness, it’s recommended to take it 1-2 hours before the anticipated activity.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While meclizine is generally well-tolerated, it can cause some side effects. Common side effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Vomiting (ironically, as it’s used to treat nausea)

In rare cases, more serious side effects may occur. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Can meclizine be taken during pregnancy? Meclizine is classified as FDA pregnancy category B, meaning it’s not expected to harm an unborn baby. However, always consult with your healthcare provider before taking any medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions and Contraindications

Meclizine can interact with various medications, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. It’s crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Some medications that may interact with meclizine include:

• Sedatives and sleeping pills
• Narcotic pain medications
• Muscle relaxants
• Medications for seizures, depression, or anxiety
• Certain antidepressants like bupropion, duloxetine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, or sertraline
• Other specific drugs such as cinacalcet, quinidine, and terbinafine

Does alcohol interact with meclizine? Yes, alcohol can increase certain side effects of meclizine, particularly drowsiness. It’s advisable to avoid alcohol consumption while taking this medication.

Special Considerations for Meclizine Use

While meclizine is safe for most adults, there are some special considerations to keep in mind:

• Age restrictions: Meclizine should not be given to children under 12 years old without medical supervision.
• Driving and operating machinery: As meclizine can cause drowsiness, caution is advised when driving or performing tasks that require alertness.
• Pre-existing conditions: Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, asthma, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, or urination problems before taking meclizine.
• Allergy testing: Meclizine can affect the results of allergy skin tests. Inform any doctor performing such tests that you’re taking this medication.

How long can meclizine be taken safely? While meclizine is generally safe for short-term use, long-term use should be monitored by a healthcare provider. Prolonged use may lead to dependency or mask underlying conditions that require different treatment approaches.

Alternatives to Meclizine for Vertigo and Motion Sickness

While meclizine is highly effective, it’s not the only option for treating vertigo and motion sickness. Some alternatives include:

1. Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)
2. Scopolamine patches
3. Ginger supplements
4. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy
5. Benzodiazepines (for severe cases of vertigo)

Are natural remedies as effective as meclizine for vertigo? While some natural remedies like ginger have shown promise in treating motion sickness and mild vertigo, they may not be as consistently effective as meclizine for more severe cases. Always consult with a healthcare provider before switching treatments.

The Future of Vertigo Treatment: Beyond Meclizine

As medical research advances, new treatments for vertigo and motion sickness continue to emerge. Some promising areas of research include:

• Targeted vestibular therapy techniques
• Novel pharmaceutical compounds with fewer side effects
• Neurostimulation devices for balance disorders
• Gene therapy for hereditary vestibular disorders

Will meclizine remain the go-to treatment for vertigo in the future? While meclizine is likely to remain a valuable treatment option, ongoing research may lead to more targeted therapies with potentially fewer side effects. However, its proven efficacy and safety profile ensure that meclizine will continue to play a significant role in managing vertigo and motion sickness.

Meclizine in Combination Therapies

In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend combining meclizine with other treatments for enhanced effectiveness. This approach can be particularly beneficial for patients with severe or persistent symptoms.

Potential combination therapies might include:

• Meclizine with vestibular exercises
• Meclizine alongside dietary modifications
• Combination of meclizine and cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety-related dizziness

Is combining meclizine with other medications safe? While combination therapies can be effective, they should only be undertaken under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Some combinations may increase the risk of side effects or interactions.

Meclizine for Different Types of Vertigo

Vertigo can stem from various underlying conditions, and the effectiveness of meclizine may vary depending on the specific cause. Some common types of vertigo include:

1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
2. Meniere’s Disease
3. Vestibular Neuritis
4. Labyrinthitis

Meclizine has shown particular efficacy in treating vertigo associated with Meniere’s disease and other inner ear disorders. However, for conditions like BPPV, physical maneuvers such as the Epley maneuver may be more effective as a primary treatment.

Can meclizine cure vertigo permanently? Meclizine is primarily a symptomatic treatment and does not address the underlying cause of vertigo. While it can provide significant relief, it’s not considered a cure. Long-term management of vertigo often requires a comprehensive approach that may include lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and addressing any underlying medical conditions.

The Role of Meclizine in Travel Medicine

Meclizine plays a crucial role in travel medicine, particularly for individuals prone to motion sickness. Its effectiveness in preventing nausea and dizziness associated with various modes of transportation makes it a popular choice for travelers.

Key considerations for travelers using meclizine include:

• Timing of dosage in relation to travel
• Potential interactions with other travel-related medications
• Awareness of side effects that may impact travel activities
• Availability and regulations of meclizine in different countries

Is meclizine suitable for all types of travel-related motion sickness? While meclizine is effective for many forms of motion sickness, some individuals may find alternative treatments more suitable. For instance, those experiencing sea sickness on long voyages might benefit more from scopolamine patches, which provide longer-lasting relief.

Meclizine in Geriatric Populations

Elderly individuals often experience an increased incidence of vertigo and balance disorders. While meclizine can be an effective treatment option, special considerations are necessary when prescribing for this population:

• Increased sensitivity to side effects, particularly drowsiness and cognitive impairment
• Potential interactions with multiple medications commonly taken by older adults
• Risk of falls due to dizziness or drowsiness
• Possible exacerbation of existing conditions like glaucoma or prostate enlargement

Should elderly patients use a lower dose of meclizine? In many cases, healthcare providers may start elderly patients on a lower dose of meclizine and adjust as needed. This approach helps minimize the risk of side effects while still providing symptom relief.

The Impact of Meclizine on Quality of Life

For individuals suffering from chronic vertigo or frequent motion sickness, meclizine can significantly improve quality of life. By alleviating debilitating symptoms, it allows patients to engage more fully in daily activities and maintain a sense of normalcy.

Some ways meclizine can enhance quality of life include:

1. Enabling travel and participation in activities that were previously challenging
2. Reducing anxiety associated with vertigo episodes
3. Improving sleep quality by reducing nighttime vertigo symptoms
4. Enhancing overall sense of well-being and control over symptoms

Can long-term use of meclizine lead to dependency? While meclizine is not considered addictive in the traditional sense, patients may develop a psychological reliance on the medication for symptom management. It’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the underlying causes of vertigo when possible.

Meclizine in Comparative Studies

Numerous studies have compared meclizine to other treatments for vertigo and motion sickness. These comparisons help healthcare providers make informed decisions about the most appropriate treatment for each patient.

Some noteworthy comparisons include:

• Meclizine vs. Dimenhydrinate: Both effective for motion sickness, but meclizine often causes less drowsiness
• Meclizine vs. Scopolamine: Scopolamine may be more effective for severe motion sickness, but has a different side effect profile
• Meclizine vs. Betahistine: Betahistine may be more effective for Meniere’s disease-related vertigo in some patients
• Meclizine vs. Non-pharmacological treatments: Physical therapy and vestibular rehabilitation may be more effective for certain types of vertigo

How do researchers determine the effectiveness of meclizine compared to other treatments? Comparative studies typically involve randomized controlled trials where patients are assigned to different treatment groups. Researchers then assess factors such as symptom reduction, side effects, and overall patient satisfaction to determine relative effectiveness.

The Economics of Meclizine Treatment

The cost-effectiveness of meclizine is an important consideration in healthcare decision-making. As a generic medication, meclizine is generally more affordable than some newer treatments for vertigo and motion sickness.

Factors influencing the economics of meclizine treatment include:

1. Availability of generic versions
2. Frequency of dosing required
3. Potential reduction in healthcare utilization due to symptom control
4. Comparison to costs of alternative treatments or interventions

Is meclizine covered by most insurance plans? As a commonly prescribed and cost-effective medication, meclizine is typically covered by most insurance plans. However, coverage can vary, and patients should check with their specific insurance provider for details.

Meclizine in Special Populations

While meclizine is widely used, its effects and appropriateness can vary in certain populations:

• Pregnant women: Generally considered safe, but should be used under medical supervision
• Breastfeeding mothers: Limited data available; consult healthcare provider
• Individuals with liver or kidney disease: May require dose adjustments
• Patients with certain psychiatric conditions: Potential interactions with psychotropic medications

Can meclizine be used in pediatric patients with vertigo? While meclizine is not typically recommended for children under 12, it may be prescribed in certain cases under close medical supervision. Alternative treatments are often preferred for pediatric vertigo.

The Future of Meclizine Research

Despite being a well-established medication, research into meclizine continues. Current and future research directions include:

1. Development of extended-release formulations for longer symptom control
2. Investigation of meclizine’s potential neuroprotective properties
3. Exploration of combination therapies for enhanced efficacy
4. Studies on long-term safety and efficacy in chronic use

What new discoveries about meclizine have been made recently? Recent studies have explored meclizine’s potential role in protecting against certain types of hearing loss, opening up new avenues for research beyond its traditional uses in treating vertigo and motion sickness.

Meclizine: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

Generic name: meclizine [ MEK-li-zeen ]
Brand names: Antivert, Bonine, D-Vert, Dramamine Less Drowsy, Driminate II,
… show all 9 brands
Meclicot, Medivert, Ru-Vert-M, Meni-D

Drug class: Anticholinergic antiemetics

Medically reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD. Last updated on Dec 12, 2022.

What is meclizine?

Meclizine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body.

Meclizine is used to treat or prevent nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness. It is also used to treat symptoms of vertigo (dizziness or spinning sensation) caused by disease that affects your inner ear.

Meclizine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to meclizine.

Before you take meclizine, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, asthma, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, or urination problems.

This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of meclizine.

Cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by meclizine.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use meclizine if you are allergic to it.

To make sure meclizine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions:

FDA pregnancy category B. Meclizine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether meclizine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

This medicine should not be given to a child younger than 12 years old.

How should I take meclizine?

Use meclizine exactly as directed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

The chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.

To prevent motion sickness, take meclizine about 1 hour before you travel or engage in activity that causes motion sickness. You may take a dose once every 24 hours while you are traveling, to further prevent motion sickness.

To treat vertigo, you may need to take meclizine several times daily. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

This medication can affect the results of allergy skin tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using meclizine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since meclizine is sometimes taken only when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid?

This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of meclizine.

Meclizine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to meclizine: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common meclizine side effects may include:

• headache;

• vomiting;

• dry mouth;

• tired feeling; or

• drowsiness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect meclizine?

Taking meclizine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can increase these effects. Ask your doctor before taking meclizine with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with this medicine, especially:

• cinacalcet;

• quinidine;

• terbinafine; or

• the antidepressants bupropion, duloxetine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, or sertraline.

Other drugs may interact with meclizine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use now, and any medicine you start or stop using.

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• Meclizine Tablets

Other brands

Antivert, Dramamine Less Drowsy, Dramamine II, Meclicot, . .. +2 more

Professional resources

• Prescribing Information

Related treatment guides

• Vertigo
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Motion Sickness

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use meclizine only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 6.01.

Antivert: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

Generic name: meclizine [ MEK-li-zeen ]
Drug class: Anticholinergic antiemetics

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Jun 14, 2023.

What is Antivert?

Antivert is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body.

Antivert is used to treat or prevent nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness.

Antivert is also used to treat symptoms of vertigo (dizziness or spinning sensation) caused by disease that affects your inner ear.

Warnings

Before you take Antivert, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, asthma, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, or urination problems.

This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of meclizine.

Cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by meclizine.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Antivert if you are allergic to meclizine.

Antivert should not be given to a child younger than 12 years old.

Do not give meclizine to a child without medical advice.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

How should I take Antivert?

Use Antivert exactly as directed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

To prevent motion sickness, take Antivert about 1 hour before you travel or anticipate having motion sickness. You may take Antivert once every 24 hours while you are traveling, to further prevent motion sickness.

To treat vertigo, you may need to take Antivert several times daily. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

This medicine can affect the results of allergy skin tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Vertigo:

-25 to 100 mg orally per day in divided doses
-Dosing dependent upon clinical response.

Use: Management of vertigo associated with diseases affecting the vestibular system.

Usual Adult Dose for Motion Sickness:

-Initial Dose: 25 to 50 mg orally 1 hour before travel
-Maintenance Dose: Repeat dose every 24 hours if needed

Use: Management of nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Vertigo:

Age 12 years and older:
-25 to 100 mg orally per day in divided doses
-Dosing dependent upon clinical response.

Use: Management of vertigo associated with diseases affecting the vestibular system.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Motion Sickness:

Age 12 years and older:
-Initial Dose: 25 to 50 mg orally 1 hour before travel
-Maintenance Dose: Repeat dose every 24 hours if needed

Use: Management of nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Antivert is sometimes taken only when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What to avoid

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how meclizine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of meclizine.

Antivert side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Antivert: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common Antivert side effects may include:

• drowsiness;

• dry mouth;

• headache;

• vomiting; or

• feeling tired.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Antivert?

Using Antivert with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other drugs may interact with meclizine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

More about Antivert (meclizine)

• Check interactions
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• Breastfeeding

Patient resources

Other brands

Dramamine Less Drowsy, Dramamine II, Meclicot, Meni-D, Travel Sickness

Professional resources

• Prescribing Information

Related treatment guides

• Vertigo
• Motion Sickness
• Nausea/Vomiting

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Antivert only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 7.01.

Dizziness

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Iron deficiency

Ischemia

Otitis

Brain tumor

Arrhythmia

Osteochondrosis

Migraine

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31 July

Dizziness – the causes of occurrence, in which diseases it occurs, diagnosis and methods of treatment.

Every person during his life at least once experienced dizziness – a condition in which it seems that the body and / or the environment are rotating, there is a feeling of instability, balance is lost, orientation in space is disturbed.

A single dizziness is not a cause for concern, but if the attacks are repeated regularly, and also become prolonged, accompanied by other symptoms (nausea, vomiting, heart palpitations, etc.) – this is a reason to see a doctor.

It is very important to identify the cause of dizziness in a timely manner, because, firstly, it can be a symptom of serious diseases, and secondly, dizziness is dangerous in itself, because it can lead to injuries.

Varieties of dizziness

It is customary to distinguish between the following types of dizziness:

– proprioceptive – with a sense of movement (rotation) of the body in space;

– tactile – with a sense of movement, swing, instability of the support under the feet;

– visual – with a sense of the movement of the environment around you.

Dizziness is also divided into central and peripheral. Peripheral dizziness begins acutely: a person cannot stand without support, is forced to sit down or even lie down. In this case, as a rule, there are nausea, vomiting, excessive sweating, heart palpitations, tinnitus. Central vertigo is less pronounced, but differs in duration. With this type of dizziness, such neurological symptoms as blurred vision, impaired tactile and pain sensitivity, and coordination are observed.

Possible causes of dizziness

Dizziness can occur for a variety of reasons, including in completely healthy people: for example, under stress, as a result of poor nutrition, frequent smoking and alcohol intoxication, impaired focusing of vision, fast non-linear movement (for example, on a carousel), etc. .

Dizziness can be caused by medication,

including antibiotics, diuretics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac, ibuprofen, etc.), anticancer drugs (used for chemotherapy), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (enalapril, fosinopril), antidepressants, antimalarial drugs, calcium channel blockers (nifedipine, etc. ) and etc.

To find out the exact cause of dizziness, you need to consult a doctor who will conduct an initial examination and prescribe methods for further diagnosis. It should be remembered that

dizziness can be a symptom of a dozen different diseases, the diagnosis of which requires various studies.

What diseases cause dizziness

Diseases of the inner ear

Intense rotational vertigo is a typical symptom of diseases of the inner ear (an organ that is responsible not only for hearing, but also for balance),

such as:

– benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). The cause of this pathology is the displacement of otoliths – the smallest crystals located on the surface of the cells of the inner ear, and a change in the normal hydromechanics of the fluids of the inner ear. BPPV is manifested by sudden, short-term, severe dizziness when changing body position, sometimes accompanied by nausea and vomiting;

– Meniere’s disease. A disease in which there is an increase in the volume of fluid in the inner ear and an increase in pressure in it. The patient has recurrent attacks of progressive deafness (usually unilateral), tinnitus and dizziness. The causes of this disease are not completely clear, but they can be associated with vascular pathologies, the consequences of injuries (head, ear), inflammatory and infectious diseases of the inner ear.

Dizziness can be caused by inflammation (labyrinthitis) and trauma (acoustic, mechanical, barotrauma) of the inner ear.

Diseases of the vessels of the brain (cerebrovascular diseases)

Dizziness can be associated with pathologies in which the blood supply to the brain is disturbed:

– atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels (cerebral atherosclerosis) is a serious disease accompanied by the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the vessels of the brain and leading to impaired cerebral circulation. In the early stages, it manifests itself with symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating;

– chronic cerebral ischemia – a disease characterized by a progressive deterioration in the blood supply to the brain. A person suffers from dizziness, headaches, impaired coordination, memory worsens, and the general psychological state.

Volumetric intracranial masses

Dizziness may be associated with neoplasms (for example, acoustic neuroma, etc.), inflammatory lesions of the cerebellum, etc.

Cardiovascular diseases

Dizziness can occur with various cardiovascular pathologies: cardiac arrhythmias (arrhythmias, tachycardia, bradycardia), arterial hypo- or hypertension, heart failure, etc.

Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the cervical spine

Dizziness is often found in patients with problems of the cervical spine, such as osteochondrosis, protrusions and herniated discs, uncovertebral arthrosis of the cervical spine. Dizziness occurs due to difficulty in the flow of blood to the brain due to compression of the vertebral arteries.

Also, dizziness can be caused by neurological and mental diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, migraine, Alzheimer’s disease, a number of infectious diseases, anemia (a decrease in hemoglobin levels in the blood).

Which doctors should I contact?

When dizziness occurs, you should first of all contact a therapist (children – a pediatrician), who will determine which specialist to refer to next. If the possible cause of dizziness is associated with diseases of the cardiovascular system, you will need to consult a cardiologist. If the symptoms indicate a pathology of the inner ear – a neurologist and an otolaryngologist. With neurosis, anxiety, the patient will be referred to a psychotherapist, neurologist.

Diagnostics and examinations

To accurately diagnose cerebrovascular diseases leading to dizziness, ultrasound examination of the vessels of the brain allows,

In cardiovascular diseases, electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography (EchoCG), 24-hour Holter ECG monitoring, and keeping a blood pressure diary will help to identify the cause of dizziness.

Treatment

Since dizziness is not an independent disease, but a symptom of various pathologies, treatment is prescribed depending on the underlying disease.

What to do if you feel dizzy

If you regularly experience dizziness, you should see your doctor.

You should also know what safety precautions you need to take during an attack of dizziness. First, stay calm. Get into a position where you feel stable. It is best to lie down so that the head and shoulders are at the same level. Loosen clothing that restricts movement. Reduce bright lights and loud noises. If possible, measure blood pressure, monitor the pulse rate, the presence of arrhythmias. If dizziness is accompanied by an increase in blood pressure, fever, severe weakness, sweating, heart rhythm disturbances, visual impairment, speech impairment, movement coordination – immediately call an ambulance!

Sources:

1. “Clinical guidelines” Bradyarrhythmias and conduction disorders “. Developed by: Russian Society of Cardiology, All-Russian Scientific Society of Specialists in Clinical Electrophysiology, Arrhythmology and Electrical Stimulation, Association of Cardiovascular Surgeons of Russia. – 2020.
2. “Clinical guidelines “Supraventricular tachycardia”. Developed by: All-Russian Scientific Society of Specialists in Clinical Electrophysiology, Arrhythmology and Electrical Stimulation, Association of Cardiovascular Surgeons of Russia, Russian Society of Cardiology. – 2020.
3. Kandyba DV Diagnosis and treatment of vestibulopathy in outpatient practice // Russian Family Doctor. – 2017, 21(4): 6-14.

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.
For a correct assessment of the results of your analyzes over time, it is preferable to do studies in the same laboratory, since different laboratories may use different research methods and units of measurement to perform the same analyzes.

What is dizziness, possible causes

Dizziness (vertigo) is an alarming symptom that accompanies a variety of diseases. Depending on the severity of the manifestations, a person may feel discomfort, disorientation in space, and nausea. In rare cases, dizziness is so severe that the patient loses consciousness, cannot stand on his own feet. The symptom is widespread among people of different sex and age, but is especially common among the elderly and women.

Causes of dizziness

There are two groups of reasons why the head is spinning: physiological (due to the natural state of the body) and pathological (caused by disease).

Physiological factors

Among them:

• abrupt start of movement, eg jumping from a height;
• supersaturation of the lungs with oxygen;
• strong fright;
• low blood hemoglobin;
• malnutrition or prolonged period without food;
• menstruation, menopause or pregnancy (the main cause of dizziness in women).

Meteosensitivity is a separate group of physiological factors. In the world, a huge number of people complain about poor health due to the weather. Violations cause changes in humidity, temperature, changes in atmospheric pressure before a blizzard or thunderstorm.

Pathological factors

Among them:

1. Diseases of the ear. Any disturbance in the vestibular apparatus can lead to the fact that a person will constantly feel dizzy. For example, labyrinthitis – a septic inflammation of the inner ear – provokes severe dizziness. The patient has a fever, headache, regular vomiting.

2. Pathologies of the cervical spine. Diseases such as osteochondrosis, hernias, whiplash injuries lead to impaired blood supply to the brain. This is one of the reasons why the head is spinning.

3. Various phobias. Fear of heights, open space, crowds may cause dizziness. Sometimes a person feels bad just thinking about his fear.

4. Vascular pathologies. Ischemias, strokes, thrombosis cause cerebral hypoxia. Chronic oxygen starvation causes frequent dizziness.

5. Neuritis. The vestibulocochlear structure is affected, which transmits information from the vestibular apparatus directly to the brain. With neuritis, dizziness may weaken and intensify, accompanied by wandering headaches.

6. Meniere’s disease. In 5-8% of cases, this pathology is the cause of dizziness. Meniere’s disease is characterized by an increase in the volume of endolymph, which accumulates inside the labyrinth. The fluid creates excess pressure in the inner ear, edema develops, and the work of the vestibular nerve is disrupted. The head is spinning in short attacks, sporadically. The main symptom is accompanied by hearing loss, tinnitus.

7. Intoxication. When the head begins to feel dizzy, it may be a symptom of poisoning with chemicals, products, various toxic substances. Mercury, arsenic, and lead are especially dangerous for the brain.

8. Brain tumors. Neoplasm in the process of growth compresses the surrounding tissues, disrupts their trophism.

9. Micro strokes. A transient disorder of cerebral circulation impairs the trophism of cerebral structures. Dizziness with a microstroke is strong, pronounced, accompanied by a sharp headache, paresis, and speech disorders. An episode can last several hours and requires urgent treatment.

10. Head injuries. Dizziness is caused by concussions, bruises. If a hematoma forms in the brain, an increase in the volume of cerebrospinal fluid causes compression of the surrounding tissues. The nutrition of the brain is disturbed, the vessels are compressed.

Classification

Depending on the nature of the manifestations, there are several types of dizziness in men and women:

1. True. Pathology is caused by disturbances in the work of the extrapyramidal system or the vestibular apparatus. True dizziness occurs with vertebral artery syndrome, cerebellar pathology, inflammatory diseases of the inner ear, due to traumatic brain injuries.

2. Pseudo-vertigo (organic syndrome). The patient feels unwell immediately after sleeping or when trying to get up quickly after sitting for a long time. As such, there is no dizziness, but the person loses balance and falls. The cause of false pathology may be a sharp violation of cerebral blood flow, insufficient trophism of tissues and organs. A similar symptom, when dizzy when standing up, is more often experienced by people with overweight or underweight, patients with neurological diagnoses. Rapid movement does not allow the body to adapt to the changed load. As a rule, pseudovertigo is harmless and does not require treatment. It is important to exclude the state of orthostatic hypotension, when a person’s blood pressure drops sharply when standing up.

3. Peripheral vertigo. The cause of malaise is diseases of organs and systems that are not related to the brain. The head is spinning due to damage to the vestibular apparatus. Trauma, toxic poisoning, viral and bacterial infections can lead to inflammation or destruction of the labyrinth. By itself, peripheral dizziness is not dangerous, but it is necessary to treat the underlying disease. Inflammation of the inner ear can progress to meningitis, spread to the sinuses, to the throat. Even without development, the disease interferes with daily life.

4. Central vertigo. Pathology is formed against the background of damage to the central nervous system. Possible causes: tumor, inflammation, tissue compression in the frontal, occipital or parietal lobes, disorders of the cerebellum, extrapyramidal system. Central vertigo begins abruptly. Especially often, the symptom occurs during a quick turn of the head, an unsuccessful tilt, or other incorrect and abrupt movements. If dizziness is accompanied by weakness, hallucinations, you should consult a doctor immediately. Early diagnosis of pathologies is the key to successful treatment.

5. Secondary disorder. Dizziness develops as a consequence of the underlying disease. For example, the cause of a secondary disorder may be a violation of the body’s sensitivity to insulin.

6. Sensual form. The appearance of a symptom is provoked by problems in the functioning of the sensory organs. The patient may have impaired vision, hearing. Disorientation is possible with a combination of light and noise stimuli, for example, when a person begins to feel dizzy when entering the dance floor. Dizziness in a sensual form is always provoked by some external factor. Removing the trigger relieves the symptom.

Symptoms

The condition usually occurs suddenly, for no apparent reason. A person begins to feel dizzy, due to disorientation, he is led to one side or the other. If the patient is sitting at this time, there may be a feeling of inclination in space or movement of surrounding objects. The manifestations are similar to those that occur after a long ride on a carousel. The patient is unsteady on his feet. In order not to fall, he needs support. Symptoms of dizziness usually subside quickly. Sometimes it is enough to sit or lie down and be at rest for a while.

Depending on the causes of dizziness, others may be added to the main symptom:

• cold hands or feet;
• feeling short of breath;
• feeling of fear, anxiety;
• excessive sweating in one area (eg, on the palms) or all over the body;
• confusion of thoughts, feeling of lightness in the head;
• nausea, vomiting;
• numbness of face, lips;
• tinnitus;
• heart rate acceleration;
• increase or decrease in pressure;
• flashing “flies” before the eyes, darkening;
• involuntary twitching of the eyeballs, etc.

Diagnostics

In total, about 80 diseases of various systems and organs can cause dizziness. For an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to undergo a comprehensive examination by a general practitioner.

The patient is prescribed procedures according to his condition:

1. General analysis of urine and blood.

2. Biochemical analysis of blood.

3. Dopplerography of cerebral vessels.

4. Electroencephalography.

5. Hearing research. Results of acoustic impedancemetry, threshold audiometry may be needed.

6. Posturography. During the study, the doctor evaluates the mechanisms of interaction between the vestibular, visual and musculoskeletal systems that provide balance. Carry out rotational tests, caloric test.

7. Rheoencephalography. The study allows you to evaluate the trophic tissue of the brain.

8. MRI. From the images, the doctor receives information about the state of the blood supply system, the presence and location of the tumor, the location of the focus of inflammation, and other important data.

How to deal with dizziness

When dizzy, you need to calm down. Panic will make things worse. It is recommended to squat down or just on the floor, try to focus on one of the furnishings. Do not close your eyes! Dizziness will increase if the brain stops receiving visual information.

If for some time the symptom worsens, the palms begin to sweat, nausea sets in, there is a feeling of tightness in the chest, it is necessary to call a doctor. Before the arrival of the ambulance, it is better to lie horizontally, not to make sudden movements.

If you witness another person having a dizzy spell, help him sit up. You can unbutton your outerwear and open the window for fresh air. The patient is laid on a sofa or any other horizontal surface, the shoulders and neck are placed on a pillow. In an elevated position, the arteries will not kink and ensure the flow of blood to the brain. A cold towel applied to the forehead will help ease the attack.

Treatment of dizziness

The treatment is complex, selected individually for each patient. To prescribe adequate therapy, the doctor must have a clear answer to the question of why the patient is dizzy.

Medical therapy

If the cause of dizziness in a woman or a man is a circulatory disorder, vasodilators are prescribed. An additional intake of antihistamines or other drugs that improve the rheological properties of the blood is possible.

If the head is spinning due to a neurological disease, the doctor prescribes nootropics. Medicines improve nerve conduction.

Osteochondrosis causing dizziness requires complex treatment. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants are prescribed.

Dizziness in women that occurs during menopause or on certain days of the menstrual cycle, resolves after hormonal therapy. Treatment is carried out under the supervision of a gynecologist.

Compliance with the regime of work and rest

The patient is recommended to normalize sleep, if possible, reduce the time spent in front of the computer. It is important to observe the alternation of physical and mental stress.

Diet

From the diet it is necessary to exclude products that increase or decrease blood pressure, spasm blood vessels, and have an exciting effect on the nervous system. The patient is advised to give up salty, spicy foods, strong tea and coffee.

Gymnastics

Between attacks it is useful to do simple physical exercises. Gymnastics will improve blood circulation, relieve muscle spasms, and stabilize the psychological state. You can perform head and torso rotations. If you do exercises with open and closed eyes, the vestibular apparatus will be additionally strengthened.

Simple complexes for balance, swimming, any other feasible loads are welcome.

Prevention of dizziness

To reduce the frequency of seizures and prevent their occurrence, it is recommended to adhere to the principles of a healthy lifestyle:

• giving up bad habits: smoking and drinking alcohol;
• exclusion from the diet of salty, spicy, smoked, fatty foods;
• limited consumption of sweets and caffeine;
• daily morning exercises, physical activity;
• regular walks in the fresh air;
• fractional proper nutrition with plenty of vegetables, fruits rich in vitamins;
• sleep on orthopedic mattresses and pillows if there are problems with the spine.