What is the treatment for residual central vertigo following a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)?

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Last updated: May 12, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Treatment of residual central vertigo post subarachnoid hemorrhage should prioritize a multidisciplinary team approach, focusing on rehabilitation and management of underlying causes, as recommended by the 2023 guideline for the management of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage 1.

Key Considerations

  • A multidisciplinary team approach is crucial in identifying discharge needs and designing rehabilitation treatment, which can help improve functional outcomes and quality of life in patients with residual central vertigo post subarachnoid hemorrhage 1.
  • Early identification of physical, cognitive, behavioral, and quality of life deficits using validated screening tools is essential, and interventions for mood disorders can improve long-term outcomes 1.
  • While the guideline does not specifically address the treatment of residual central vertigo, it emphasizes the importance of managing underlying causes, such as preventing delayed cerebral ischemia and improving functional outcomes after subarachnoid hemorrhage 1.

Management Strategies

  • Vestibular rehabilitation therapy should be considered as part of the treatment plan, as it can help the brain compensate for vestibular deficits through habituation exercises, gaze stabilization, and balance training.
  • Medications such as vestibular suppressants, antiemetics, and benzodiazepines may be used to manage symptoms, but their use should be carefully considered and monitored due to potential side effects and dependency risks.
  • Regular neurological follow-up is essential to monitor recovery and adjust treatment as needed, taking into account the patient's overall condition and any changes in their symptoms or functional status.

Prioritizing Outcomes

  • The primary goal of treatment should be to improve morbidity, mortality, and quality of life outcomes, rather than solely focusing on symptom management.
  • By prioritizing a multidisciplinary team approach and addressing underlying causes, healthcare providers can help patients with residual central vertigo post subarachnoid hemorrhage achieve better functional outcomes and improved quality of life 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

MECLIZINE HYDROCHLORIDE tablets, for oral use Initial U. S. Approval: 1957 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Meclizine hydrochloride tablets are indicated for the treatment of vertigo associated with diseases affecting the vestibular system in adults (1).

The treatment of residual central vertigo post subarachnoid hemorrhage is not directly addressed in the provided drug label. Key points:

  • The label indicates meclizine is used for vertigo associated with diseases affecting the vestibular system.
  • It does not specify its use for central vertigo post subarachnoid hemorrhage. 2

From the Research

Treatment of Residual Central Vertigo Post Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

  • The provided studies do not directly address the treatment of residual central vertigo post subarachnoid hemorrhage 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
  • However, the studies discuss the management of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and its complications, including cerebral vasospasm, hydrocephalus, and rebleeding 3, 4, 7.
  • The management of SAH includes admission to high-volume centers, early identification and treatment of the bleeding source, and management in a neurocritical care unit with oral nimodipine, blood pressure control, and frequent monitoring for neurologic and systemic complications 3, 4.
  • The treatment of symptomatic cerebral vasospasm/delayed cerebral ischemia includes induced hypertension and endovascular therapies 3, 4.
  • There is no specific mention of the treatment of residual central vertigo post SAH in the provided studies, suggesting that further research is needed to address this topic 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Diagnosis and Management of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Continuum (Minneapolis, Minn.), 2015

Research

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Continuum (Minneapolis, Minn.), 2018

Research

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Updates in Diagnosis and Management.

Emergency medicine clinics of North America, 2017

Research

Traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Scoping Review.

Journal of neurotrauma, 2022

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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