What Are the Most Effective Treatments for Vertigo?

When it comes to treating vertigo, Dr. Fahey highlights that nonspecific medications such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and meclizine (Bonine) are often used for acute episodes. However, these are typically tapered off over time, as they may hinder long-term healing. For migraines associated with vertigo, specific medications that prevent migraines may be effective. Meanwhile, a study suggests that access to medical marijuana might reduce opioid prescriptions, indicating alternative approaches to pain management.

In addressing the syndrome known as POTS, which includes symptoms of fatigue and dizziness, the use of compression garments is recommended to assist the body in combating gravity’s effects during periods of standing. These garments come in various forms, such as socks, sleeves, leggings, and shorts.

The long-term cognitive consequences of cannabis use are debated. A study has shown a correlation between cannabis use and a decline in IQ, alongside deficits in learning and processing speed. It’s suggested that the extent of cognitive impairment may be directly linked to the frequency of cannabis use.

The implications of marijuana on heart health are of particular concern; it shares many harmful components found in cigarette smoke, which are known contributors to heart disease and cancer. Yet, this plant has been utilized for thousands of years and contains psychoactive compounds that can affect the brain in various ways.

Harvard Medical School discusses the complex nature of cannabis and the brain. While cannabis is classified by its THC content, both marijuana and hemp come from the Cannabis sativa plant, with the former containing higher THC levels and thus more likely to cause intoxication.

Withdrawal from cannabis can pose significant challenges, potentially leading to a variety of symptoms, including anxiety, restlessness, and physical discomfort. The severity of these symptoms may raise questions about the decision to cease cannabis use.

As for vertigo’s origins, it’s not definitively known whether a magnesium deficiency plays a role. Vertigo can result from disturbances in the inner ear’s function, with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) being a common form caused by the displacement of tiny crystals in the inner ear.

Research from Stanford University School of Medicine has revealed that 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), a brain chemical similar to a component found in marijuana, can both suppress epileptic seizures and potentially exacerbate aftereffects. The complexity of this substance mirrors the nuanced effects of its plant-based counterpart.