Forms of dizziness/vertigo are common multiple sclerosis symptoms. One cause is from inflammation or lesions of the vestibular nerve at the level of the brainstem.
Vertigo, the sensation of spinning or rocking, is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis and can involve nausea / vomiting, as well as loss of balance.
Causes of Multiple Sclerosis Vertigo
MS vertigo can be a result of damage (disease inflammation or scar lesions) to the brain stem where the acoustic cranial nerve (CN VIII) originates. This nerve bifurcates into hearing and balance (vestibular) nerves. The vestibular nerve is affected in vertigo. Cerebellum MS lesions can also cause vertigo. Other forms of dizziness associated with multiple sclerosis are caused by MS damage to the cranial nerves III, IV, and VI (associated with the eyes.)
Duration
Vertigo generally remits over several weeks on a gradual basis. It can leave residual chronic dizziness.
Treatments
- Benadryl
- Dramamine
- Valium
- Antivert
- Thorazine
- non-medication treatments include placing night lights for better night vision, walking barefoot for traction, and using walls, railings, and/or a cane for balance
- physical therapy
***For more information on vertigo and MS, read Vertigo: The Whole Story, Vertigo: the Rest of the Story, and see the MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS Suite.
***For related information, check out the Neurological ARTICLE INDEX and Blog.
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