Rx Note

Introduction Vertigo is an illusion of rotational, liner or tilting movement of self or environment. It could be produced by peripheral (inner ear) or central (brainstem-cerebellum) stimulation. The most common motion illusion is a spinning sensation. Nausea and vomiting are typical with acute vertigo, unless it is mild or very brief, as with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Vomiting can be severe, causing dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Postural stability can be affected in patients with vertigo. NOTE: It is important to distinguish vertigo from other potential causes of "dizziness". Evaluation The clinical features of the most common disorders are summarized in the table below. NOTE: The time course of symptoms provides one the best clues to the underlying pathophysiology of vertigo. Symptomatic Treatment Medications to suppress vestibular symptoms are best used for alleviating acute episodes of vertigo that last at least a few hours or days. These dr...

Introduction Tinnitus is a perception of sound in proximity to head in the absence of an external source. It can be perceived as being within one or both ears, within or around the head, or as an outside distant noise. The sound is often a buzzing, ringing or hissing , although it can sound like other noises. It may be continuous or intermittent (occasional), can be pulsing or steady, and can range in severity from a soft buzz to a loud ring. The impact of tinnitus on an individual can be significant. Some individuals "experience" tinnitus, while others "suffer from it." Causes Tinnitus becomes more common with age. Tinnitus is often caused by damage to the tiny hairs on auditory cells within the inner ear. Damage to the hair cells can be a result of normal aging , or it can occur after exposure to very loud noise, certain medications, injury or disease . Occasionally, tinnitus can be a result of problems not related to the hearing system. Disorders of the jaw joi...