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VERTIGO

Dr Jean Millar

Question:

I have not got Menière’s Disease, but I have been suffering from terrible vertigo on and off for some years now. Every time I think I am getting better I find I get another attack. I have related this to stress and to the occasional drink of Cava. I also have problems if I get a cold. Can you suggest a way of dealing with this?

Answer:    

I can empathise with anyone that suffers from recurrent vertigo.

One morning I rose to go to work and found I could not stand. The whole world whizzed around, and every movement brought on a strange fading- away feeling. Lying down was not really better, as each slight turn of the head caused more intense revolutions of the room.  It was impossible to leave the room for four days.

I later learned that this type of vertigo is quite common in this part of Spain, and that there are unfortunate folk who lose many valuable days off work each year because of this problem.

The important thing to realize is, that though it is highly unpleasant, most of the causes of dizzy episodes, or vertigo, are relatively harmless and will wear off in time. Sometimes the vertigo is due to viral infections of the balance organ associated with the inner ear. Yet another type is thought to be due to tiny particles of calcium [or similar material] floating in the fluid of the balance canals and disturbing the precise flow of the fluid.  

The approach to treatment is fairly limited and includes drugs that suppress the sensations of dizziness to some extent, but do not actually cure the problem. There are exercises that can be learned to help with dizziness associated with neck problems, and also with the movement of calcium crystals in the balance canals.

I was treated traditionally with an injection that reduced the sensation of vertigo and nausea.

However, I have since found that one of the homeopathic remedies used for dizziness and motion sickness works remarkably quickly if I am unfortunately visited by a repeat episode: Cocculus in a 30 C potency taken once or twice daily at the start of an attack is well worth a try. It relieves me very well.

I have found that the most useful of all the treatments has been acupuncture. This has given the longest remission from attacks. This cannot be achieved by a “one off” treatment. Be prepared to go for several sessions to a well trained acupuncturist.

Primperan tablets [10mg] are also worth trying. I suggest half a tablet [maximum 3 tablets per 24 hours] and be sure to check with your Farmacia that it is safe with any other medication that you are taking. 

If you know that you are stressed or strained in any way, look for relaxation techniques that suit you [not alcohol]. Make sure that you assist your immune system as much as possible by healthy eating habits, plenty of sleep and daily exercise [brisk walking will do].

January 2012