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What Can I Do To Minimize Vertigo (BPPV) During Exams Which Require Me To Lay Down?
Posted on
Thu, 24 Dec 2020
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 24 Dec 2020
Answered on
Thu, 27 Mar 2025
Last reviewed on
Question : What can I do to minimize vertigo (BPPV) during exams which require me to lay down such as CTA? The doctor wishes to pre-medicate for a presumed allergy to contrast XXXXXXX with 50mg Benadryl beforehand due to my experience of a low-grade fever-response provoked by the last three CT scans I underwent (COVID-19 negative and no symptom apart from transient fever). I believe the reaction of low-grade fever 24 hours after I undergo CT may be radiation linked, but nonetheless I must also take two doses of steroid beforehand as a precaution. Am I correct that I cannot take medication to control the vertigo, such as Meclizine, in combination with 50mg Benadryl (over-sedating)? Are there alternatives that will control my vertigo for my upcoming CTA and the subsequent IR Angiogram that are acceptable in combination with antihistamine medication such as Benadryl?
Brief Answer:
BPPV is curable. MRA can be considered instead of CTA. New antihistamines.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. BPPV can be cured with repositioning maneuvers and exercises and medication plays a limited role. After a clinical examination (Dix Hallpike or Nylen Barany test) or balance testing (VNG: VideoNystagmoGraphy or ENG: ElectroNystagmoGraphy, vHIT: video Head Impulse Test amongst others), BPPV patients undergo these maneuvers and exercises (Brandt-Daroff, Semont's, Epley's and many more types) depending on the side and exact semicircular canal involvement. BPPV is curable.
2. MRI Angiography is an alternative to CT Angiography. It will avoid ionizing radiation and XXXXXXX injection in certain cases.
3. Medication for vertigo should not be a problem with newer generation antihistamines (such as fexofenadine/loratadine).
I hope that I have answered your query.
If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards
BPPV is curable. MRA can be considered instead of CTA. New antihistamines.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. BPPV can be cured with repositioning maneuvers and exercises and medication plays a limited role. After a clinical examination (Dix Hallpike or Nylen Barany test) or balance testing (VNG: VideoNystagmoGraphy or ENG: ElectroNystagmoGraphy, vHIT: video Head Impulse Test amongst others), BPPV patients undergo these maneuvers and exercises (Brandt-Daroff, Semont's, Epley's and many more types) depending on the side and exact semicircular canal involvement. BPPV is curable.
2. MRI Angiography is an alternative to CT Angiography. It will avoid ionizing radiation and XXXXXXX injection in certain cases.
3. Medication for vertigo should not be a problem with newer generation antihistamines (such as fexofenadine/loratadine).
I hope that I have answered your query.
If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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