CVT Pharmacology & Medication Effects on Vestibular Function Flashcards

Which class of medication is most commonly used as a vestibular suppressant for acute vertigo?

Answer: Antihistamines (e.g., meclizine)

Antihistamines such as meclizine act on histamine H1 receptors and are first-line vestibular suppressants for acute vertigo.

Aminoglycoside antibiotics such as gentamicin cause vestibular damage primarily by:

Answer: Destroying type I and type II hair cells in the labyrinth

Aminoglycosides preferentially accumulate in the inner ear and destroy vestibular hair cells, causing permanent vestibular hypofunction.

Which diuretic combination is most commonly prescribed to reduce endolymphatic hydrops in Meniere's disease?

Answer: Hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene

Hydrochlorothiazide combined with triamterene reduces fluid retention and endolymphatic pressure, decreasing Meniere's attack frequency.

Long-term use of vestibular suppressants can interfere with vestibular rehabilitation primarily by:

Answer: Impairing central vestibular compensation

Prolonged vestibular suppressant use reduces the sensory mismatch signals needed to drive central nervous system adaptation and compensation.

Intratympanic steroid injections are used in Meniere's disease primarily to:

Answer: Reduce endolymphatic pressure via anti-inflammatory action

Corticosteroids delivered intratympanically reduce inner ear inflammation and may decrease the frequency and severity of Meniere's attacks.

When a patient on multiple vestibular medications reports worsening dizziness, the vestibular therapist's first action should be:

Answer: Document findings and refer back to the prescribing physician for medication review

Polypharmacy-related dizziness requires medical evaluation; the therapist documents clinical observations and coordinates with the physician rather than altering the medication independently.