The homeopathic preparation Vertigoheel versus Ginkgo biloba in the treatment of vertigo in an elderly population: a double-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial.
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.
Issing
Wolfgang
W
The Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
Klein
Peter
P
Weiser
Michael
M
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
D004338:Drug Combinations; D008903:Minerals; D010852:Picrotoxin; D010936:Plant Extracts; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; C044596:Vertigoheel