How long does an episode of MD usually last?

Ears, nose and throat
1

I was recently diagnosed and so far I have been suffering attacks (usually 2 a day) for a month now. Today was a complete wipe out with even worse vertigo than usual. I'm feeling desperate.

2

what medication do they have you taking?

3

I have been suffering for the last 13 months with 3/4 bouts a week the attacks last 3 To 14 hrs there is no rule of thumb regarding lengths of the attacks The DVLA withdrew my driving licence because of the severity of my attack and I can not travel on public transport this week I am due to have my 3rd injection in the ear Gentamicin in the hope it will stop the vertigo Regards John

4

Hi Maryormston. My attacks used to last from a few hours to a whole day. I was hospitalised on one occasion after vomiting for 7 hours. I am now under the care of a Meniere’s specialist and my betahistine dose increased. Since then no further attacks and life is normal. Are you on any medication?  Betahistine is a life saver for me and many others. 

5

I am taking betaistine 16mg 3 times a day for last 3 weeks.

6

I'm also on betahistine 16mg 3 times a day. I've only been taking it for 3 weeks so hooef5will see some improvement soon.

7

Hi Marystormin. Good to hear you are on betahistine. It can take a month or so to stabilise. I am on 24 x 3 since January as I wasn’t fully stable on 16. I have another review and hearing test in June so it may be reduced then. If you don’t respond after another couple of weeks you may need to increase your dose. I don’t have any side effects on this dose. 

8

Thanks for the reply. I haven't been on the medication for a month yet (tho not far off). This MD IS SO awful. I'm so worried about my job. I keep looking at people getting on with their lives, doing simple normal things and I'm so envious. Hopefully I will get a reprieve from the symptoms soon and pull myself out of the dark hole I suddenly find myself in.

9

Hi,  So sorry to hear you are having such an awful time!  I too was on Betahistine 48 mg daily.  However, this dosage failed to control my vertigo.  My ENT doubled the dose.  I now take 96 mg daily in divided doses, 48 mg in a.m. and 48 mg p.m.  I have been vertigo free for a year, since dosage was increased.  It does take time for Betahistine to become effective.  Don’t despair, things can improve.  The usual dose is what you are on but this sometimes needs to be increased.  Speak with your Dr. if  don’t get relief from vertigo soon.  I am very reluctant to decrease my Betahistine since it seems to be working well.  I do have imbalance when tired and tinnitus and hearing loss.  All the best!

10

Thank you.