Symptomatic Treatment

Patients with true vertigo may require symptomatic treatment for associated nausea, vomiting and dehydration with antiemetics and intravenous fluids.

Patients who are unable to tolerate oral fluids often need to be admitted for IV hydration.

Several classes of drugs are known to generally suppress the vestibular system. These include:

• Centrally-acting antihistamines
• Phenothiazines (e.g. prochlorperazine)
• Benzodiazepines (e.g. diazepam, lorazepam)
• Anticholinergics (e.g. scopolamine)

Such drugs may be used to control acute symptoms. However, these drugs may impair the brain’s ability to compensate for vestibular dysfunction if used in the long term.

Some patients with vertigo, especially the elderly or those without social support, may require help from occupational therapy and social services.