Miracle Pill Ends Decades of Vertigo

For 66-year-old writer and musician Valentine Guinness, chronic dizziness and nausea, a lifelong issue, escalated dramatically a decade ago. Simple daily tasks became unbearable, yet NHS doctors could not identify the cause or offer treatment. Three years ago, a private GP suggested betahistine, a 5p tablet.

Guinness reported an almost immediate improvement, experiencing no vertigo or nausea after starting the medication. He now takes one pill daily, a stark contrast to his previous debilitating condition. He noted that his NHS doctor had never mentioned betahistine, a drug approved in the 1970s for Meniere's disease.

Experts acknowledge betahistine's potential for patients with chronic dizziness of unclear origin, suggesting it improves blood flow to the inner ear. However, some specialists question its effectiveness, while others, like Dr. Dean Eggitt, find it useful for short-term relief, particularly when combined with BPPV treatments like the Epley Manoeuvre.