Mr Tony Owa then performed an Epley manoeuvre to cure Mrs N of the dizziness. He asked her to stop the medication and perform balance exercises at home.
Dizziness caused by antibiotic administration
A previously healthy occupational therapist presented with a 3 week history of increasing unsteadiness, vertigo, sensation of changing visual fields whilst walking and difficulty in negotiating stairs
Book Appointment
Who
58-years old female
Problem
A previously healthy occupational therapist presented with a 3 week history of increasing unsteadiness, vertigo, sensation of changing visual fields whilst walking and difficulty in negotiating stairs. She also had difficulty with rapidly changing visual fields especially when going to the shopping mall or crossing the road. Mrs N was particularly upset that she felt unable to take her grandson to school.
6 weeks prior to presentation she had been on admission for post operative sepsis requiring strong antibiotics which required regular checking of her blood levels to reduce the risk of complications.
Diagnosis
Clinical testing including specialised hearing and balance testing suggested she had damage to some of her inner ear function most likely due to the effects of the life-saving antibiotics
Treatment
All tablets for balance control was stopped and the patient was given a course of gaze stabilisation and other vestibular rehabilitation exercises to do.
Outcome
6 weeks later, Mrs. N has returned to clinic to report that following the exercises, she is much better, more stable and can fully participate in the care of her grandson.