migraine

The Cause of Dizziness is Often Misdiagnosed

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The Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA) surveyed of hundreds of people suffering with a vestibular disorder and the results were published in the journal Otology & Neurotology in 2016. The results are as we would have predicted based on reported patient experiences prior to their initial visit to BalanceMD and are in keeping with many blogs and newsletter articles we have written on this subject over the past decade.

The purpose of the survey was to collect information on vestibular patients’ experiences with healthcare providers as they searched for answers to their problems – what they were told was causing their symptoms and what treatments they were given.

Some findings from the study are as follows:

Meniere’s disease was the top diagnosis given – 25% of those in the survey reported being diagnosed with Meniere’s disease. We know that Meniere’s actually represents a very small portion of vestibular disorder patients, less than 5%. On the other hand, only 18% of those in the study received the diagnosis of vestibular migraine, while nearly 50% actually have migraine as the underlying cause of their symptoms. Most experts place the Migraine:Meniere’s ratio 20-30:1. This highlights the popularity of the Meniere’s diagnosis and the under recognition of vestibular migraine.  Take home point: Meniere’s disease is a relatively rare condition and causes a specific type of hearing loss. Most who have been diagnosed with Meniere’s without hearing loss actually have a migraine syndrome as the underlying cause of their dizziness or vertigo spells.

Nearly half reported being treated with canalith repositioning maneuvers (such as the Epley maneuver) for BPPV, but only 15% reported being diagnosed with BPPV. In essence, over 30% of patients underwent an Epley maneuver, but never had BPPV. Take home point: BPPV is commonly over diagnosed. While there is no harm in doing an Epley maneuver, treating for a condition that isn’t present doesn’t work and appropriate treatment is delayed while the Epley maneuver is repeated unsuccessfully over weeks or months. There are several known types of BPPV amenable to immediate cure with a unique canalith repositioning maneuver over 90% of the time.

Close to 9% were diagnosed with bilateral vestibular hypofunction(weakness of both vestibular nerves). The actual number of patients with bilateral vestibular hypofunction is < 1%. The reason for this large discrepancy is that most facilities offering vestibular testing do not have a rotary chair. The diagnosis of “bilateral vestibular hypofunction” likely comes from weak caloric (air blown in the ears to induce nystagmus) responses in both ears. The best way to confirm (or refute) bilaterally weak vestibular nerves is the rotary chair. With bilateral vestibular hypofunction, the rotary chair test will be markedly abnormal. Take home point: Unfortunately, most facilities who perform vestibular testing do not have a rotary chair and will mis-diagnose a significant number of patients they test.

At BalanceMD, we have the knowledge, technologically advanced vestibular system test equipment and experience to accurately diagnose and effectively treat dizziness and vertigo no matter what the cause. Call 888-888-DIZZY (3499) or visit our website for further information.

BPPV is Over Diagnosed

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bppv-otoconia-cdWhat is BPPV?

BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) is a common inner ear disorder that causes brief spells of vertigo (spinning sensation) triggered by a change in head position. For example, lying back or rolling over in bed, getting up from bed, looking up or down results in brief, 10-15 seconds of vertigo and usually no dizziness any other time. BPPV is caused by“crystals” normally present in one part of the inner ear, but become detached and displaced into another part of the inner ear where they cause vertigo with changes in head position. However, there are many patients diagnosed with BPPV who do not fit this description of symptoms or have a different cause of positional vertigo, yet are often diagnosed and unsuccessfully treated as though they had BPPV.

Why is BPPV Over-diagnosed?

BPPV has gained popularity as a diagnosis because it is a benign condition that causes vertigo and is readily diagnosed and immediately cured by a skilled healthcare provider. Patients often joke about “having a few loose rocks” in their head. BPPV is a common condition, but there are many more people diagnosed with BPPV than actually have BPPV.

How is BPPV Treated?

BPPV is treated by a “crystal repositioning maneuver” (CRM), which is designed to move the “crystals” by gravity back to where they originated, where they may be dissolved. The type of CRM utilized depends on the type of BPPV. For example, one form of BPPV is treated with a modified Epley or a Semont maneuver and another type with a Lempert roll. There is also a type of BPPV where the “crystals” are actually stuck to a membrane in the inner ear and is treated with a headshake of Gufoni maneuver. BPPV is no longer treated by the old fashioned Brandt-Daroff or Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises, or with medications, such as meclizine (Antivert). We are actually able to cure BPPV in one visit over 90% of the time with the appropriate CRM. Unfortunately, we see many patients incorrectly diagnosed with BPPV undergoing a modified Epley maneuver dozens of times unsuccessfully.

What else causes positional vertigo if it’s not BPPV?

Because migraine is the most common cause of dizziness/vertigo and can cause positional symptoms, the most common correct diagnosis in those mis-diagnosed with BPPV, is vestibular migraine. Other conditions which may cause positional dizziness include inner ear nerve weakness, blood pressure changes and even brain tumors. Obviously, it is very important to be certain of the cause of vertigo, as we don’t want to ineffectively treat for a condition that isn’t present and we don’t want to miss a more sinister cause.

Meclizine Has Limited Use for Dizziness

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meclizineAntivert (meclizine) is one of the most popular and commonly prescribed medications for dizziness. However, there is no scientific evidence supporting it’s benefit and in fact, we now have evidence against it’s use, especially long-term use.

Meclizine is an antihistamine with anticholinergic, central nervous system and labyrinth (inner ear) depressant effects, so meclizine may cause drowsiness, confusion, memory impairment, and slow reaction time.

While migraine is the most common (and most under recognized) cause of dizziness, making up approximately 60% of all dizzy patients, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV – aka the “crystal” problem) is second, making up about 15%. In neither condition is meclizine indicated. Meclizine would have minimal, if any benefit for migraine and may help blunt the vertigo associated with BPPV, but we are now able to instantly cure those suffering from BPPV, so why use meclizine at all?

Meclizine may be helpful short term in acute vestibular disfunction (sudden onset of vertigo), such as in vestibular neuritis (without hearing loss) or labyrinthitis (with hearing loss), an attack of Meniere’s, or to reduce motion sickness during travel. When used for these conditions or situations, only a short course, perhaps 3-7 days, should be prescribed.

Chronic use of meclizine is never indicated. Use of meclizine in the elderly, especially in the setting of peripheral neuropathy and/or vision loss from cataract, glaucoma or macular degeneration, may cause more imbalance and lead to painful falls. Chronic use of meclizine following vestibular nerve damage (such as with vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis, trauma, or Meniere’s) will actually prevent the brain from adjusting and will reduce the effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation therapy (a specialized form of physical therapy).

If you know of anyone who takes meclizine on a regular basis, please let them know there likely is a better treatment option available. As we are now better able determine the underlying cause of dizziness and vertigo, we have also developed more effective, targeted treatments.

Meniere’s Disease is Over Diagnosed

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Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear characterized by recurrent spells of vertigo (spinning sensation), hearing loss, tinnitus (ear noise) and a full feeling in the ear. The average age of onset of Meniere’s is around 50 and the underlying cause is unknown.

The inner ear has fluid-filled chambers and canals, which send information from the inner ear to the brain to interpret your body’s position, movement and to maintain balance. A Meniere’s “attack” occurs when the properties of the inner ear fluid become altered. The symptoms (below) begin suddenly and the severity of each spell varies.

 

Meniere's Dz

Symptoms

The symptoms of Meniere’s typically include recurrent vertigo spells lasting 20 minutes to several hours, low frequency (pitch) hearing loss, roaring tinnitus and a sense of fullness or pressure in the involved ear. Early on, hearing may improve between attacks but repeat attacks often lead to some degree of permanent hearing loss. Meniere’s generally affects only one ear, but may affect both ears in at least 20% of those affected.

Treatment

There is no cure for Meniere’s disease, but most will do well with some lifestyle changes and medication. Reducing sodium (salt) in the diet and the use of diuretics (water pills) may reduce vertigo symptoms and prevent recurrent attacks. Other factors that may influence Meniere’s attacks include alcohol, caffeine, smoking and stress. If symptoms are not adequately controlled by reduced salt intake, diuretic medication, and lifestyle changes, there are several surgical procedure options that may be effective in controlling symptoms.

Warning

Unfortunately, Meniere’s disease is a condition that is over-diagnosed, meaning that many are diagnosed with Meniere’s disease, but they don’t actually have it. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Meniere’s and do not have significant hearing loss in one ear and/or are under the age of 40, consider obtaining a second opinion. Most who are incorrectly diagnosed with Meniere’s are suffering from Vestibular Migraines and there are many effective treatment options available for Vestibular Migraine.

Vertigo is a Symptom, NOT a Diagnosis

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vertigo girlWhen many patients arrive at our medical clinic, BalanceMD, they report that they were diagnosed with “vertigo”.  Vertigo is defined as the sensation a person has that they or objects around them are moving when they are not.  There are many medical conditions that might include vertigo as a symptom, most commonly migraine, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis, and Meniere’s disease.

Vertigo is a symptom, not a diagnosis, much in the same way that chest pain is a symptom, not a diagnosis.  There are many things that might cause chest pain, such as a heart attack, pneumonia, or a broken rib.  As it is important to determine the underlying cause of chest pain, it is also important to determine the underlying cause of vertigo.

While there are many conditions that might cause vertigo, there are only a handful that present most commonly and are listed above.  Differentiating between these conditions is best accomplished with a detailed clinical history, physical exam, and when needed, vestibular function testing and an audiogram (hearing test).  While migraine is the most common cause of recurrent spells of vertigo, BPPV is a vertigo-causing condition which can be quickly identified and cured.  Typical symptoms of BPPV include brief vertigo often lasting 10-15 seconds and triggered by lying back or sitting up in bed, rolling over in bed, and looking up or down.  Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is easy to evaluate and to treat.  If BPPV is not present, then vestibular function testing is typically necessary to evaluate for other inner ear or brain-related causes of vertigo.

Vestibular function testing is the test of choice in the identification of an underlying cause for vertigo.  This type of testing analyzes both inner ear and brain function associated with vertigo.  Vestibular function testing includes Videonystagmography (VNG), rotational chair, Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP) and an audiogram.

Once the underlying cause for dizziness or vertigo is determined, a targeted treatment can be administered.  Because of advancements in our knowledge and technology over the past 20-25 years, we are much better able to arrive at a precise diagnosis.  We now know that while meclizine (Antivert), a commonly prescribed medication for those suffering with vertigo, may reduce vertigo symptoms for some conditions, it does not fix the underly problem causing vertigo.  Those who have been given meclizine (Antivert) for treatment of the symptom of vertigo and continue to suffer with vertigo should seek an evaluation from a specialist who is able to arrive at a diagnosis for the cause of vertigo and administer the most appropriate treatment and/or cure.