DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am a 79-year-old male. I have had three separate heart bypass surgeries; needless to say, I do have heart problems. I am currently under the care of two doctors for this, a cardiologist and a defibrillator specialist.

My current problem is vertigo/dizziness. This started April 2007 and I can’t seem to find any relief. My doctors have ruled out my heart as the cause. I have seen my family physician, a neurologist, an ear-nose-and-throat specialist and two emergency room physicians. No one can tell me what to do to get relief, only that I have vertigo.

How do I get someone to help me rather than just telling me what I have?

DEAR READER:
Vertigo is an inability to keep normal balance while standing or sitting caused by an irritation in the inner ear. It can be accompanied by nausea and weakness. Symptoms often lessen or disappear shortly after lying down or remaining motionless for several minutes.

Doctors often recommend and have success with the Brandt-Daroff exercises and the Epley maneuver. The Brandt-Daroff exercises are done at home while sitting on a bed or couch, quickly leaning to one side for 30 seconds and then sitting up. Duplicate the exercise on the other. Repeat about 20 times. It is best to have someone with you if you are worried about the possibility of falling.

The Epley maneuver is performed by a physician and is primarily used to treat benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. While sitting down, he or she will turn your head 45 degrees toward the affected side, lean you back and finally sit you up. This is repeated on the opposite side. The last move will be to lean you forward about 30 degrees.

Another option is an over-the-counter dietary supplement called Lipo-Flavonoid. It is a combination of vitamins, minerals and bioflavonoids that was developed to treat the symptoms of Meniere’s disease (vertigo, tinnitus and hearing loss). Judging from my readers, when it works, it is amazing; however, not everyone experiences relief.

I recommend that you seek a second opinion from an ear-nose-and-throat specialist. He or she should be able to offer more treatment options and in-depth information.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Ear Infections and Disorders”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.