my wife suffers from labyrinthitis and we yet to visit her internal
medicine physician for further evaluation. I took my wife in to the
E.R. on easter sunday. The onset is insidious and without warning. She
has episodes of forceful emesis, and suffers from severe vertigo.
Incapacitated from work she feels so depressed about not being able to
fight this off. She suffered 4-5 days with the vertigo last week. Four
days passed where she was asymptomatic and then on Easter I had to carry
in to the E.R. She was so weak from all the forceful emesis episodes.
She had a C.T. of head, CBC, and Chem 7 done in E.R. She was slightly
hypokalemic from all the vomiting. CT was negative, CBC showed no
infection (as per M.D.), and Chem 7 was ok. She was given home meds:
Antivert, Phenergan, and Kdur(x5 days). She continous with the vertigo.
She has a history of HTN and suffers from migraine headaches. What
other treatment modality is there besides aforementioned medications and
could you send me more info on this terrible disease/syndrome. thanks.
Reply: ------------------------
Acute labyrinthitis typically causes fairly severe whirling vertigo often with nausea and vomiting which can last for several days. After 1-4 days of severe symptoms, things usually subside somewhat although there can be up to 6 weeks or so of dysequilibrium and imbalance. Usually this latter period is not associated with nausea severe enough to cause vomiting although some stomach upset may occur especially with sudden head movements.
Occasionally meclizine (antivert) is not strong enough to control severe symptoms in the early phase of the illness. Oral benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) may be necessary combined with anti-nausea medication such as compazine or tigan. In more severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary with intravenous medication such as Droperidol.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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