Feeling unbalanced? Management of vertigo and Meniere’s disease

Authors

  • KD Komape Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
  • C Ngomana Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
  • MJ Luvhimbi Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
  • LL Mnukwa Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
  • E Bronkhorst Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

Keywords:

vertigo, dizziness, aetiology, vestibular, BPPV, Meniere’s disease

Abstract

Vertigo is defined as a condition whereby a sensation of spinning is experienced and can be accompanied by other symptoms like feeling weak or experiencing a loss of balance. Vertigo may be induced by drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants and antihypertensives. Other causes of vertigo can include advanced age and the presence of several diseases. There are various types of vertigo namely: acute unilateral vestibulopathy, benign paroxysmal postural vertigo, central vertigo and functional dizziness. Vertigo has multiple treatment approaches which can be divided into pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments including lifestyle modifications, trigger management, surgery, and medical devices. In terms of the management of Meniere's disease symptoms, betahistine remains the first-line agent due to its good tolerability and efficacy.

Author Biographies

KD Komape, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

School of Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, South Africa

C Ngomana, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

School of Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, South Africa

MJ Luvhimbi, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

School of Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, South Africa

LL Mnukwa, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

School of Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University and Pharmacy Department, Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, South Africa

E Bronkhorst, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

School of Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, South Africa

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Published

2024-08-22

Issue

Section

Review