What is meclizine used for. How does meclizine work for vertigo. What are the common side effects of meclizine. How should meclizine be taken. What precautions should be taken when using meclizine.

Understanding Meclizine: An Effective Treatment for Vertigo and Motion Sickness

Meclizine, known by various brand names such as Antivert, Bonine, and Dramamine Less Drowsy, is a widely prescribed medication for treating vertigo and motion sickness. This antihistamine works by reducing the effects of histamine in the body, effectively alleviating symptoms associated with these conditions.

Primary Uses of Meclizine

• Treating nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness
• Alleviating dizziness associated with motion sickness
• Managing symptoms of vertigo, including spinning sensations

Is meclizine effective for all types of vertigo? While meclizine is particularly useful for vertigo caused by inner ear disorders, its effectiveness may vary depending on the underlying cause of the condition. Consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial for determining the most appropriate treatment approach.

Proper Dosage and Administration of Meclizine

Adhering to the prescribed dosage and administration guidelines is essential for maximizing the benefits of meclizine while minimizing potential side effects. How should meclizine be taken for optimal results?

1. For motion sickness prevention: Take meclizine approximately 1 hour before travel or engaging in activities that may trigger symptoms.
2. For vertigo treatment: Follow your doctor’s instructions, which may involve taking meclizine several times daily.
3. Chewable tablets should be thoroughly chewed before swallowing.

Can meclizine be taken on an as-needed basis? Yes, meclizine can be taken as needed for motion sickness prevention. However, for managing vertigo symptoms, a more regular dosing schedule may be recommended by your healthcare provider.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While meclizine is generally well-tolerated, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and take necessary precautions. What are the most common side effects of meclizine?

• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Vomiting (in some cases)

Are there any serious side effects to watch out for? Although rare, severe allergic reactions can occur. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or hives.

Important Precautions

Before taking meclizine, inform your healthcare provider if you have any of the following conditions:

• Liver or kidney disease
• Asthma
• Glaucoma
• Enlarged prostate
• Urination problems

Is meclizine safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding? Meclizine is classified as FDA pregnancy category B, meaning it’s not expected to harm an unborn baby. However, consult your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. The effects of meclizine on breastfeeding are not fully known, so discuss with your healthcare provider if you’re nursing.

Drug Interactions and Considerations

Understanding potential drug interactions is crucial for ensuring the safe and effective use of meclizine. Which medications may interact with meclizine?

• Sedatives
• Narcotic pain medications
• Muscle relaxants
• Antidepressants
• Anxiety medications
• Sleeping pills

How do these interactions affect meclizine’s efficacy? These medications can enhance the drowsiness caused by meclizine, potentially increasing the risk of side effects and impacting cognitive function. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.

Specific Drug Interactions

Some medications require special attention when used alongside meclizine:

• Cinacalcet
• Quinidine
• Terbinafine
• Certain antidepressants (e.g., bupropion, duloxetine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline)

Should alcohol be avoided while taking meclizine? Yes, it’s advisable to avoid alcohol consumption while using meclizine, as it can intensify certain side effects and increase drowsiness.

Meclizine’s Impact on Daily Activities

Understanding how meclizine affects your daily functioning is crucial for safe use. Does meclizine impair cognitive function or physical abilities?

Meclizine may impair thinking and reactions, particularly when first starting the medication. Exercise caution when driving or engaging in activities that require alertness. It’s advisable to assess your individual response to the medication before performing tasks that demand full concentration.

Tips for Managing Meclizine’s Effects

• Avoid operating heavy machinery until you know how meclizine affects you
• Plan activities that require high alertness for times when the medication’s effects are minimal
• Inform your employer or school about potential drowsiness, especially if your work or studies involve safety-sensitive tasks

How long do the effects of meclizine typically last? The duration of meclizine’s effects can vary, but they generally last up to 24 hours. This long-lasting action makes it effective for preventing motion sickness during extended travel periods.

Alternative Treatments for Vertigo and Motion Sickness

While meclizine is a popular choice, it’s not the only option for managing vertigo and motion sickness. What are some alternatives to meclizine?

• Other antihistamines (e.g., dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine)
• Scopolamine patches
• Ginger supplements
• Vestibular rehabilitation therapy
• Canalith repositioning procedures (for specific types of vertigo)

Are non-pharmacological approaches effective for managing vertigo? Yes, many individuals find relief through non-drug methods such as lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and specific exercises designed to improve balance and reduce vertigo symptoms.

Comparing Meclizine to Other Treatments

How does meclizine stack up against other vertigo and motion sickness treatments?

• Efficacy: Meclizine is generally as effective as other antihistamines for motion sickness prevention
• Side effects: Tends to cause less drowsiness compared to some other antihistamines
• Duration of action: Provides longer-lasting relief compared to some alternatives
• Availability: Available over-the-counter in many countries, making it easily accessible

When should alternative treatments be considered? If meclizine doesn’t provide sufficient relief or causes intolerable side effects, discussing other options with your healthcare provider is recommended.

Long-term Use and Management of Meclizine

For individuals with chronic vertigo or frequent motion sickness, long-term use of meclizine may be necessary. What considerations should be kept in mind for extended use?

• Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider to assess ongoing need and effectiveness
• Monitoring for potential side effects or changes in efficacy over time
• Exploring complementary treatments or lifestyle modifications to reduce reliance on medication

Is it safe to use meclizine long-term? While meclizine is generally safe for extended use, regular evaluation by a healthcare professional is important to ensure it remains the most appropriate treatment option and to monitor for any long-term effects.

Strategies for Optimal Long-term Management

1. Keep a symptom diary to track the effectiveness of meclizine over time
2. Discuss any changes in symptoms or side effects with your healthcare provider
3. Consider periodic “medication holidays” under medical supervision to reassess the need for continued use
4. Explore non-pharmacological strategies to complement medication use

Can meclizine lose its effectiveness over time? While tolerance to meclizine is not common, some individuals may experience changes in its efficacy with long-term use. Regular communication with your healthcare provider can help address any concerns and adjust treatment as needed.

Special Considerations for Different Patient Groups

The use of meclizine may require special considerations for certain patient populations. How does meclizine use differ among various age groups and conditions?

Elderly Patients

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of meclizine, particularly drowsiness and cognitive impairment. Dosage adjustments or alternative treatments may be necessary. Regular monitoring for side effects and efficacy is crucial in this population.

Children

Meclizine is not recommended for children under 12 years of age. For older children, dosage should be carefully determined based on weight and individual response. Parents should closely monitor for any adverse reactions.

Patients with Liver or Kidney Disease

Individuals with liver or kidney impairment may require dosage adjustments or alternative treatments. Close monitoring by a healthcare provider is essential to ensure safe and effective use of meclizine in these patients.

Patients with Glaucoma or Enlarged Prostate

Meclizine’s anticholinergic effects may exacerbate symptoms in patients with glaucoma or benign prostatic hyperplasia. Alternative treatments or careful monitoring may be necessary for these individuals.

How can patients with multiple health conditions safely use meclizine? A comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare provider, considering all existing health conditions and medications, is crucial for determining the appropriateness of meclizine use and developing a safe treatment plan.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Vertigo Treatment

While meclizine remains a staple in vertigo and motion sickness treatment, ongoing research continues to explore new therapeutic approaches. What are some promising areas of research in vertigo treatment?

• Novel drug formulations with fewer side effects
• Targeted therapies for specific types of vertigo
• Advanced vestibular rehabilitation techniques
• Potential applications of virtual reality in vertigo management

How might future treatments improve upon current options like meclizine? Emerging therapies aim to provide more personalized treatment approaches, potentially offering greater efficacy and reduced side effects compared to current options.

Potential Advancements in Vertigo Management

1. Development of drugs that target specific vestibular pathways
2. Integration of wearable technology for real-time symptom monitoring and management
3. Improved diagnostic tools for more accurate identification of vertigo subtypes
4. Exploration of combination therapies to enhance treatment efficacy

What role will patient education and self-management play in future vertigo treatment? As research progresses, there’s likely to be an increased emphasis on empowering patients with tools and knowledge for better self-management of vertigo symptoms, potentially reducing reliance on medications like meclizine.

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.

More about meclizine

• Check interactions
• Compare alternatives
• Pricing & coupons
• Reviews (221)
• Drug images
• Side effects
• Dosage information
• Patient tips
• During pregnancy
• Support group
• Drug class: anticholinergic antiemetics
• Breastfeeding
• En español

Patient resources

• Patient Information
• 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
• Compare alternatives
• Pricing & coupons
• Reviews (13)
• Drug images
• Side effects
• Dosage information
• During pregnancy
• Generic availability
• Drug class: anticholinergic antiemetics
• 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

Atherosclerosis

Iron deficiency

Ischemia

Otitis

Brain tumor

Arrhythmia

Osteochondrosis

Migraine

Parkinson’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease

130

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.