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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Safe Is Taking Betahistine For Dizziness,numbness And Weakness In Body?

Hello,In the past 10 months I have experienced 3 episodes of vertigo. The last one was 5 days ago and it was the worst. My doc has me on betahistine to control any dizzy spells. He thinks I may have a viral infection. I am terribly ill. I have headaches, shakes, nausea, am weak and just a general sense of feeling sick. Is this normal and how long should it last? I am terrified by the dizziness as I have 2 kids and can t live with this forever.
Mon, 10 Nov 2014
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Neurologist, Surgical,  's  Response
Hello, I went through your question And understand your concern.
I think you are expierencing benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. This situation, unlike viral infections of the vestibular nerve, tends to last shorter and have recurrences. That's why your gp prescribed betahystine.

You can have a neurologist perform you the Epley manouver, which should resolve the dizziness.

If it does not help, and given the not usual frequency (3 ep in 10 months) I would reccomend an MRI, which would exclude other causes(including viral infection of the vestibular nerve) rather than make the diagnosis of BPPV.

Betahystine has several adverse effects like all drugs. But some reports have shown benefitial effect on BBVP. So it is not entirely safe, but if you have for sure BBVP I would reccomend to continie this therapy.

Wishing you good health, please feel free for further questions.
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How Safe Is Taking Betahistine For Dizziness,numbness And Weakness In Body?

Hello, I went through your question And understand your concern. I think you are expierencing benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. This situation, unlike viral infections of the vestibular nerve, tends to last shorter and have recurrences. That s why your gp prescribed betahystine. You can have a neurologist perform you the Epley manouver, which should resolve the dizziness. If it does not help, and given the not usual frequency (3 ep in 10 months) I would reccomend an MRI, which would exclude other causes(including viral infection of the vestibular nerve) rather than make the diagnosis of BPPV. Betahystine has several adverse effects like all drugs. But some reports have shown benefitial effect on BBVP. So it is not entirely safe, but if you have for sure BBVP I would reccomend to continie this therapy. Wishing you good health, please feel free for further questions.