Vertigo is a condition rather than a disease. The condition is experienced in 5-10% patients that visit practitioners for other conditions, 10-20% of all patients that see otolaryngologist and neurologists (Brandt, 2013). Vertigo can be understood as a condition of mismatch in the three major sensory systems that are responsible for the maintenance of balance (somatosensory, vestibular, and visual systems). Patients that are suffering from the condition report sensation that they or the environment is moving (Brandt, 2013). Thus, the condition can be defined simply as a state of disequilibrium. The three systems provide information on static and spatial references, control of body posture and locomotion by constantly providing cues that are matched against each other: the benefit of this arrangement if the provision of multiple reference points as well as the ability of one system to supply the lack of another (Brandt, 2013). People with vertigo suffer from a mismatch of two or three of these systems thus leading to the generation of imperfect cues which causes the feeling of dizziness and disequilibrium. The condition can be classified into peripheral vertigo, central vertigo, and psychogenic vertigo; the latter form is often caused by psychological disorders (Medifocus, 2011).
The definition in my words
Vertigo is a condition resulting from multiple impairments of the structure and processes that maintain balance hence resulting in loss of balance and sensations of dizziness.
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The name of the specialist for the disease
The management of vertigo depends on the area that is affected. Therefore, the specialist handling the condition will also vary with their area of specialization. As such, the least can be long, but the most common are the neurologists, internists, and Ear Nose and Throat specialists.
Body systems affected by the condition
Various parts of the body (in the head region) are affected when one reports the occurrence of vertigo. These areas include but not limited to Inner ear, Vestibular nerve, Brain stem, and cerebellum (Medifocus, 2011).
Classifications of medications commonly used as treatment or cure
A range of medications are offered to manage vertigo, and some of these are
Beta-blockers
Antihistamines
Pick 1-2 medications for each classification listed above
Antihistamine
Meclizine (Antivert)
Meclizine is histamine recommended for managing dizziness. However, the drug has a limitation since it acts as both antihistamine and anticholinergic may result in adverse effects such as dizziness, falls, memory impairments and dry mouth among others ( Kesser & Gleason, 2011).
Beta-blockers
Atenolol (Tenormin)
Beta-blockers are not commonly prescribed for patients with vertigo; however, they are beneficial in managing some of the symptoms associated with the condition. Atenolol is used commonly where migraine symptoms manifest. The drug has adverse side effects on people with diabetes, pregnant women and people with depression and causes side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, depression, confusion and insomnia (Cody, 2010).
Patient teaching to include in my discharge teaching
What the patient needs to know
Vertigo is manifested through dizziness: feelings that one is being pulled down or sideways or in sensations that the world is spinning.
When to seek care
Seek care immediately there is headache, stiff neck, fever, shaking chills, repeated vomiting, confusion, and blood or pus coming out of the ear
When to contact healthcare giver
When the symptoms persist in spite of treatment, and in case of concern with the condition
Medicine
Take medicine as directed. Report if the medicine does not help or causes allergic reactions, keep a list of all medications and herbs taken, and carry the list and medicine bottle or containers in next visit.
Managing the condition
Do not walk without help or operate heavy moving machines including driving while feeling dizzy
Move slowly when changing positions
Take plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
Consult vestibular and balance rehabilitation therapy
References
Brandt, T. (2013). Vertigo: Its multisensory syndromes . Springer
Cody, J. (2010). Medical Assisting Exam Review: Preparation for the CMA and RMA Exams . Nelson Education.
Kesser, B. W., & Gleason, A. T. (2011). Vertigo and Dizziness across the Lifespan, An Issue of Otolaryngologic Clinics-E-Book (Vol. 44, No. 2). Elsevier Health Sciences.
Medifocus.com, Inc. (2011). Medifocus Guidebook on Vertigo. A comprehensive guide to symptoms, treatment, research, and support. Medifocus.com, Inc.
