title: 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).
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized, double-blinded, parallel group study.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and seventy (170) patients, ages 60-80 years, with atherosclerosis-related vertigo.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients were randomly allocated to receive treatment with either Vertigoheel (n = 87) or G. biloba (n = 83).
  
  
  METHODS
  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.affiliation: The Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Issing
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Klein
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Weiser
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000150:complications; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D004244:Dizziness / Q000188:drug therapy; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D020441:Ginkgo biloba; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008903:Minerals / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010852:Picrotoxin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014717:Vertigo / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D004338:Drug Combinations; D008903:Minerals; D010852:Picrotoxin; D010936:Plant Extracts; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; C044596:Vertigoheel