Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) sometimes experience dizziness or vertigo, two painless but annoying conditions. Dizziness is a general term which patients use to describe a variety of sensations, including a sense of lightheadedness or the feeling of being off balance. Vertigo is a more specific condition. It is an illusion of movement when no movement is taking place. Vertigo can make it difficult to maintain balance while standing or walking. Some patients experience nausea or vomiting along with vertigo.

Dizziness and vertigo often occur because MS has caused the brainstem to become inflamed or demyelinated, which means the nerve fibers have been robbed of their protective coating. The brainstem plays a key role in balance, coordinating the eyes, limbs and trunk of the body. Inflammation of the inner ear may also be involved in dizziness or vertigo. MS can damage the nerve pathways that originate in the inner ear, which also has an important role in maintaining equilibrium.

If dizziness or vertigo become especially bothersome, medication may help. Anti-motion drugs usually alleviate these symptoms. Meclizine (Antivert® or Bonine®), or skin patches that deliver Scopolamine may be prescribed. Corticosteroids are sometimes prescribed for the most severe cases. In cases where dizziness gets worse when changing positions, physical therapy may help. A physical therapist can help patients with this problem by teaching them special exercises that gradually help compensate for dizziness.

References

First published October 1, 1999
Last updated May 4, 2003
Copyright © 1999 Accordant Health Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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