The homeopathic preparation Vertigoheel versus Ginkgo biloba in the treatment of vertigo in an elderly population: a double-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Alternative medical practices are common in the treatment of vertigo. This study compared the effects of Ginkgo biloba treatment with the homeopathic remedy Vertigoheel (Biologische Heilmittel Heel GmbH, Baden-Baden, Germany).

DESIGN:

Randomized, double-blinded, parallel group study.

SUBJECTS:

One hundred and seventy (170) patients, ages 60-80 years, with atherosclerosis-related vertigo.

INTERVENTIONS:

Patients were randomly allocated to receive treatment with either Vertigoheel (n = 87) or G. biloba (n = 83).

OUTCOME MEASURES:

The results were analyzed for the non-inferiority of Vertigoheel to G. biloba on the combined endpoint of changes from baseline to week 6 in dizziness score (assessed by questionnaire), frequency, duration, and intensity of vertigo episodes (recorded in patient diaries).

RESULTS:

Both treatments improved vertigo status. From a baseline mean value of 26.1 +/- 5.2 (on a 50-point scale) in the Vertigoheel group, the dizziness questionnaire score improved by -10.6 +/- 10.0, and by -10.7 +/- 9.0 from 25.8 - 4.7 in the G. biloba group. Statistical analysis of this endpoint showed that Vertigoheel was not inferior to G. biloba. The 95% confidence interval for the difference between treatment did not reach the inferiority threshold of 0.36 at any of the time points tested. The results were supported by the results of a line walking test, Unterberger's stepping test, and patient and physician global assessments of therapeutic effect. Both treatments were well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS:

Vertigoheel is an appealing alternative to established G. biloba therapy for atherosclerosis-related vertigo.

• Authors: Wolfgang Issing, Peter Klein, Michael Weiser
• Journal: Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) (J Altern Complement Med) Vol. 11 Issue 1 Pg. 155-60 (Feb 2005) ISSN: 1075-5535 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15750375 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Drug Combinations
• Minerals
• Plant Extracts
• Vasodilator Agents
• Vertigoheel
• Picrotoxin

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Arteriosclerosis (complications)
• Confidence Intervals
• Dizziness (drug therapy)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Double-Blind Method
• Drug Combinations
• Female
• Ginkgo biloba
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Minerals (therapeutic use)
• Phytotherapy
• Picrotoxin (therapeutic use)
• Plant Extracts (therapeutic use)
• Time Factors
• Treatment Outcome
• Vasodilator Agents (therapeutic use)
• Vertigo (drug therapy, etiology)