Hello ronim,
First, if you'll allow me the usual medical disclaimer that none of us
here at Google Answers are physicians, etc. How satisfying it would
be if we could 'cure' people but the only folks we 'cure' are the
terminally curious. I do hope the following information will make you
a fully informed healthcare consumer though.
The good news, thankfully, is that this condition isn't
life-threatening, but it can one of the most frustrating and
debilitating syndromes, both for the patients and the doctors treating
them. I'm sure it was a relief to get a negative MRI but you're
probably asking now what?
The ciproxin (or Cipro) your doctor prescribed is an antibiotic used
to treat upper respiratory tract infections or possibly a sinus
infection. Sometimes there may be a bacterial illness at work, so the
first order of business is to nip that in the bud.
The Stemetil is used to treat motion sickness and is also an
anti-nausea drug.
The betahistine hydrochloride is typically given to patients with
inner ear or balance problems because they've found it improves blood
flow in the small blood vessels in the inner ear. It is also being
used for treatment of Meniere's disease, a condition caused by the
pressure of excess fluid in the inner ear. And while betahistine
doesn't 'cure' Meniere's disease or any disequilibrium problems, it
can eliminate many of the symptoms associated with them. I'm sure
that's what your physician is hoping in your case, but you made need
to give it a bit more time.
While you did mention you didn't think you had vertigo, this website
suggests that most dizziness *is* vertigo and that 90% of vertigo is
caused by a malfunction of the inner ear.
http://www.earinfosite.org/eci_common_dizziness_syndromes.htm
In "Balance System 101" at this site, the diagrams illustrates for you
the mechanics of keeping our 'operating systems' upright.
http://www.earinfosite.org
Should you continue to be bothered with your dizziness after your
course of medication, you might discuss with your doctor the
possibility of repositioning techniques. The Epley maneuver has been
quite successful in the treatment of vertigo and is explained here:
http://users.aol.com/inventmd/bppv.html
A nurse also discusses additional repositioning techniques, but
discuss these with your doctor to see if they are appropriate for you.
http://www.coderyte.com/Canalith_Article.htm
There are an extremely large number of treatments presently being used
to treat vertigo but no single treatment is effective in all patients.
From this website you will see all the possible treatments that
include dietary changes, drug therapy, nutritional supplements,
accupuncture, chiropractic manipulation and, as a last result,
surgical procedures. Hopefully, there's a singular cure in there with
your name on it, ronim.
I'm sure your doctor has discussed with you taking fall precautions
while you're in the shower, no sudden head movements, and not to do
any home repairs which would require you to be on a ladder or be at
any height. You may also want to get his recommendations in case you
do any diving or frequent flying.
Dizziness
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003093.htm
Labyrinitis
http://my.webmd.com/encyclopedia/article/4115.13832
Net Doctor Q&A's
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/q_a/q_a-svar.asp?mode=view&subid=10
Meniere's Disease
http://www.earsite.com/dizziness/menieres.html
Otolaryngology Disease Resource Page
http://www.mic.ki.se/Diseases/c9.html
I wish I had a magic bullet for you, ronim, but this may take quite a
bit of medical sleuthing on your doctor's part. I hope you'll be
patient as he works through your problem -- annoying as it may be.
Please feel free to ask for a clarification if you'd like additional
information on any of the treatments described above and thanks very
much for being a part of Google Answers.
Search strategy:
causes of dizziness
Meniere's disease
labyrithitis
Epley maneuver
Best regards,
V |
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