THE ROLE OF THE VESTIBULAR APPARATUS IN THE PRODUCTION OF NAUSEA AND VOMITING FOLLOWING THE ADMINISTRATION OF MORPHINE TO MAN

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Abstract
A modified Barany turning test technic and mass caloric stimulation were used to evaluate vestibular function in normal adult males before and after the admn. of morphine sulfate. Morphine produced a statistically significant decrease in vestibular responses. Vestibular stimulation following the admn of morphine resulted in a marked increase in nausea and emesis, but no significant changes in blood pressure or pulse rate. Benzedrine sulfate was of no apparent benefit in relieving the emesis accompanying vestibular stimulation in subjects under the influence of morphine. Dramamine given either orally or rectally appeared to prevent and relieve post-morphine and post-Dilaudid (dihydromorphinone HC1) nausea, vomiting and vertigo. Its use therapeutically and prophylactically with these drugs was suggested. Neither Dramamine nor Benzedrine altered the vestibular changes produced by morphine. The relationship of vestibular stimulation emesis following morphine morhpine is discussed.

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