Updated recommendations for benign paroxysmal positional veritgo: Fewer benzos

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a type of dizziness that includes a sensation of spinning, and it can be quite debilitating. It is not unusual to be prescribed a benzodiazepine, despite the fact that these meds can actually CAUSE dizziness, as many of us know all too well.

 

The recent recommendations have suggested that the use of benzodiazpines and other "vestibular suppressants", as they are called in the medical literature, be reduced for the treatment of BPPV. See the studies below for details:

 

Clinical Practice Guideline: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (Update) Executive Summary

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28248602

 

Clinical Practice Guideline: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (Update)

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28248609

 

Here's the quote:

 

"The update group made recommendations against (1) radiographic imaging for a patient who meets diagnostic criteria for BPPV in the absence of additional signs and/or symptoms inconsistent with BPPV that warrant imaging, (2) vestibular testing for a patient who meets diagnostic criteria for BPPV in the absence of additional vestibular signs and/or symptoms inconsistent with BPPV that warrant testing, and (3) routinely treating BPPV with vestibular suppressant medications such as antihistamines and/or benzodiazepines. "

That's good news for future sufferers!!  Benzos prolong the problem. I honestly don't know what benzos even do to treat the problem.

 

Thanks so much, Lapis, as usual!!! You always keep us up to date on the newest findings!!!  :thumbsup:

You're welcome, Terry! I don't think there's much basis for prescribing benzos for BPPV. The best treatment is the Epley Maneuver and the exercises. I'm sure benzos prolong the problem, since they interfere with "vestibular compensation". It's written in the ENT textbooks!

:thumbsup: