CVT Pharmacology & Medication Effects on Vestibular Function Flashcards

When counseling patients about vestibular suppressants, a CVT should emphasize that these medications are most appropriate for:

Answer: Acute severe vertigo episodes only

Vestibular suppressants are indicated for short-term relief during acute attacks and should be tapered as soon as tolerable to allow compensatory neuroplasticity.

Metoclopramide and prochlorperazine are used in vestibular disorders primarily as:

Answer: Antiemetics to control nausea and vomiting

These dopamine antagonists act on the chemoreceptor trigger zone and vomiting center to reduce the nausea and vomiting associated with acute vertigo episodes.

Cisplatin-induced ototoxicity most commonly damages which structure first?

Answer: Cochlear basal turn outer hair cells

Cisplatin preferentially accumulates in and destroys outer hair cells in the basal turn of the cochlea, causing high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss before vestibular effects.

A patient with vestibular neuritis prescribed a short course of oral prednisone receives it primarily to:

Answer: Reduce inflammation of the vestibular nerve and promote recovery

Corticosteroids reduce the inflammatory response in vestibular neuritis, which is believed to be caused by viral reactivation affecting the vestibular nerve.

Polypharmacy is clinically relevant in vestibular rehabilitation because:

Answer: Multiple medications can interact to worsen dizziness and increase fall risk

Many drug combinations have additive sedative or ototoxic effects, compounding dizziness and gait instability in patients already compromised by vestibular pathology.

In the US, which vestibular suppressant is available over-the-counter for motion sickness?

Answer: Meclizine (Bonine/Antivert)

Meclizine is an over-the-counter antihistamine widely used for motion sickness and mild vertigo at lower doses than prescription formulations.