[The pharmacology of vestibular disorders].
BACKGROUND
In recent years, significant advances have been made in the physiology and the pharmacology of vestibular disorders. It is now possible to elaborate an approximation of the mechanisms of action of the drugs used in the symptomatic treatment of vertigo.


METHODS
These drugs usually have a number of different pharmacological actions and overlapping effects. They can modify the intensity of the symptoms (e.g. vestibular suppressants) or prevent recurrences (e.g. calcium blockers in the case of vestibular migraine). Most of the drugs used for the acute treatment of vertigo can have a negative effect on the central compensation mechanisms. Vestibular rehabilitation exercises and certain drugs can speed up compensation. Choice of medication and the method of administration depend on the severity of the clinical symptoms, the pattern of temporal evolution, the underlying vestibular disease, the associated clinical conditions and the profile of the collateral effects of the drugs utilised.


CONCLUSIONS
Vestibular suppressants and antiemetic drugs are still the basis of the acute treatment of vertigo.
Yacovino
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DA
Servicio de Neurología, Centro Neurológico-Hospital Francés, Buenos Aires, Argentina. yac@intramed.net
Hain
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TC
D000932:Antiemetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000502:physiology; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D015837:Vestibular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology
D000932:Antiemetics; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents