Further Discussion on Otogenic Vertigo—July 18, 2001

Further Discussion on Otogenic Vertigo—July 18, 2001

For this condition, I usually prescribe formulas such as Banhong, Houhong, and Wushan. If tinnitus is present, I add Dangbaigui; if vomiting occurs, I add Xuanfudaihe. However, patients with hypertension must never be given Dangbaigui. This formula contains Ma Huang, Guizhi, Xixin, and Baizhi, all of which are pungent and warm, promoting yang energy; when used in hypertensive patients, they can exacerbate headaches. In the summer of Xin-Si year, I treated the mother-in-law of Zhang Jinliang, the mayor of Tianshui City. She reported that her blood pressure was not high, but she experienced dizziness, accompanied by tinnitus and nausea. Believing her account, I prescribed the above formula for six doses. Later, my friend Huang Qingcheng called and said that after taking the medication, her dizziness and headache had worsened. Upon hearing this, I suddenly realized that the patient likely had hypertension and arteriosclerosis, which turned out to be true. For patients with both hypertension and vertigo, it is advisable to switch to Guaian I combined with Banhong and Houhong, adding Sanqi 3 g (to be taken separately) and ShuiZhi 10 g (also to be taken separately). This formula is specifically designed to treat Meniere’s disease caused by basilar artery sclerosis.