CVT CVT Pharmacology & Medication Effects on Vestibular Function

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Antihistamines (e.g., meclizine)

Answer

ACE inhibitors

Answer

Beta blockers

Answer

Proton pump inhibitors

Question 2

Aminoglycoside antibiotics such as gentamicin cause vestibular damage primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Destroying type I and type II hair cells in the labyrinth

Answer

Blocking endolymph reabsorption

Answer

Increasing intracranial pressure

Answer

Compressing the eighth cranial nerve

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene

Answer

Furosemide and spironolactone

Answer

Acetazolamide and triamterene

Answer

Mannitol and furosemide

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Impairing central vestibular compensation

Answer

Increasing the risk of BPPV

Answer

Elevating blood pressure during exercise

Answer

Causing paradoxical vertigo

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Reduce endolymphatic pressure via anti-inflammatory action

Answer

Ablate vestibular hair cells permanently

Answer

Restore normal caloric responses

Answer

Eliminate otoconia from the canals

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Increase exercise frequency to accelerate compensation

Answer

Discontinue all balance exercises immediately

Answer

Perform an emergency Epley maneuver