Treatment of vertebrobasilar insufficiency--associated vertigo with a fixed combination of cinnarizine and dimenhydrinate

Thirty-seven patients suffering from vertigo associated with vertebrobasilar insufficiency participated in our prospective, single-center, double-blind, comparative study. Patients were randomly allocated to treatment with placebo; betahistine (12 mg betahistine dimesylate, one tablet three times daily); or the fixed combination of 20 mg cinnarizine and 40 mg dimenhydrinate (one tablet three times daily) for 4 weeks. The primary efficacy end point was the decrease of the mean vertigo score (S(M)), which was based on the patients' assessments of 12 individual vertigo symptoms after 4 weeks of treatment. Patients treated with the fixed combination showed significantly greater reductions of S(M) as compared to patients receiving placebo (p < .001) or the reference therapy betahistine (p < .01). The vestibulospinal parameter lateral sway (Unterberger's test) improved to a significantly greater extent in patients taking the fixed combination as compared to those receiving placebo (p < .001). No serious adverse event was reported in any therapy group. The tolerability of the fixed combination was judged as very good or good by 91% (betahistine, 73%; placebo, 82%). In conclusion, the fixed combination proved to be statistically more effective than the common antivertiginous drug betahistine in reducing vertebrobasilar insufficiency-associated vertigo symptoms.     

Meta-analysis of clinical studies with betahistine in Ménière’s disease and vestibular vertigo

We present a meta-analysis of 12 double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical studies with betahistine in patients suffering from vestibular vertigo or Ménière’s disease, based on both published and unpublished data. The clinical endpoint we used was the investigator’s overall opinion on the response to treatment of the vertigo symptoms, after at least 1 month of treatment. We introduce a new effect parameter, the odds of a favorable treatment outcome, with the odds ratio as measure to compare the responses of betahistine and placebo patients. For each study a separate odds ratio was estimated (the study-specific odds ratio). All but one of the study-specific odds ratios were >1.0, meaning that with the new effect parameter there was evidence of an effect of betahistine on vertigo symptoms in 11 of the 12 studies. Four of the 12 studies showed a statistically significant effect in favor of betahistine compared to placebo. The meta-analytical (i.e., average) odds ratio was 2.58 (95 % confidence interval 1.67–3.99), a statistically significant result. This means that on average, the likelihood of a favorable outcome is almost two times higher for patients treated with betahistine than for placebo-treated patients. Sub-analyses conducted for patients with Ménière’s disease on one hand and with vestibular vertigo on the other hand also yielded statistically significant results. For Ménière’s disease, the meta-analytical odds ratio was 3.37 (95 % CI 2.14–5.29); for vestibular vertigo, the odds ratio was 2.23 (95 % CI 1.20–4.14). Our meta-analysis supports the therapeutic benefit of betahistine on vertiginous symptoms in both Ménière’s disease and vestibular vertigo.     

High-dosage betahistine dihydrochloride between 288 and 480?mg/day in patients with severe Menière’s disease: a case series

The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical benefit and the side effects of high dosages of betahistine dihydrochloride (288–480 mg/day) in patients with severe Menière’s disease (MD). In this case series 11 patients with MD who had not responded sufficiently to a dosage of 144 mg/day of betahistine dihydrochloride were treated on an individual basis with daily dosages between 288 and 480 mg of betahistine dihydrochloride. The number of attacks per month and the side effects were monitored. Non-parametric tests were used for statistical analysis. As a result, the frequency and the severity of vertigo were significantly reduced in all patients. The side effects were mild, self-limiting, and did not require any change in the treatment strategy. Despite the considerable limitations of an observational study—in particular in MD—high dosages of betahistine dihydrochloride between 288 and 480 mg/day seem to be effective in patients who do not sufficiently respond to lower dosages. Moreover, such dosages are well tolerated.     

甲磺酸倍他司汀治疗内耳缺血相关性眩晕的疗效研究

目的通过观察良性阵发性位置性眩晕（benign positional paroxysrnal vertigo，BPPV）、后循环缺血（posterior circulation ischemia，PCI）、偏头痛性眩晕（migrainousvertigo，MV）、青少年良性眩晕在服用不同剂量的甲磺酸倍他司汀后的临床表现，了解甲磺酸倍他司汀治疗内耳缺血性眩晕的疗效。方法BPPV、PCI、MV各30例，分成2组。组一：甲磺酸倍他司汀6mg，3／日：组二：甲磺酸倍他司汀12mg，3／El，治疗均为期1个月。观察量-效关系。青少年良性阵发性眩晕25例不分组，甲磺酸倍他司汀6mg3／19，服药治疗1月。分别观察治疗前后高刺激听性脑干测听（auditory brainstem response，ABR）和眩晕残障程度（dizziness handicap inventory，DHI）的变化。结果四类眩晕治疗后症状减轻，高刺激ABR和DHI均有改善，而眼动异常变化不明显。连续用药1个月后，BPPV、PCI、MV三类患者12mg，3／日方案疗效优于6mg，3／日方案。青少年良性眩晕6mg，3/日方案也获得满意疗效。结论甲磺酸倍他司汀对良性阵发性位置性眩晕、后循环缺血、偏头痛性眩晕和青少年良性眩晕等与内耳低灌注有关的眩晕有较好的治疗作用，并表现出量效关系，12mg，3/日方案疗效优于6mg，3／日方案。     

Use of betahistine in the treatment of peripheral vertigo

Conclusion: Clinical studies and meta-analyses demonstrated that betahistine is effective and safe in the treatment of Ménière’s disease, BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), vestibular neuronitis, and other types of peripheral vertigo. Objectives: The goal of this paper is to review the pharmacological profile of betahistine and the evidence for its effectiveness and safety in the treatment of peripheral vertigo. Methods: Selection criteria for the publications on betahistine included randomized clinical trials that evaluated the effectiveness and safety of betahistine vs placebo or active control in the treatment of peripheral vertigo. Recent meta-analyses were also included. Databases searched included PubMed, the Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group Trials Register, and ICTRP. The review also presents an update on the mechanisms of action, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics of betahistine. Results: Efficacy and safety of betahistine has been demonstrated in numerous clinical trials. The precise mechanism of action of betahistine is still not completely understood, but the clinical experience demonstrated the benefit of betahistine in different types of peripheral vertigo. In more than 40 years of clinical use, betahistine has shown an excellent safety profile with the usual dose range from 8–48 mg daily. According to clinical studies, betahistine 48 mg daily during 3 months is an effective and safe option for the treatment of peripheral vertigo.     

Flunarizine in the prophylaxis of migrainous vertigo: a randomized controlled trial

Migrainous vertigo is a common cause of dizziness presenting to an otorhinolaryngology/otoneurology clinic. Although it causes a substantial burden to the individual and society there are no randomized controlled trails on prophylactic medication for this condition. Flunarizine, a calcium channel blocker has been used effectively in both migraine and vestibular conditions. This randomized control trial was undertaken in a tertiary academic referral center to evaluate the efficacy of flunarizine in patients with migrainous vertigo when compared to non-specific vestibular treatment of betahistine and vestibular exercises. The effect of flunarizine on two particularly disabling symptoms of vertigo and headache was studied. A total of 48 patients who were diagnosed with definitive migrainous vertigo completed the study of 12 weeks duration. Patients in arm A received 10-mg flunarizine daily along with betahistine 16 mg and paracetamol 1 gm during episodes, and arm B received only betahistine and paracetamol during episodes. Symptom scores were noted at the start of the study and at the end of 12 weeks. Analysis of the frequency of vertiginous episodes showed a significant difference between arm A and arm B (p = 0.010) and improvement in severity of vertigo between the two groups (p = 0.046). Headache frequency and severity did not improve to a significant degree in arm A as compared to arm B. The main side effects were weight gain and somnolence and this was not significantly different between the two groups. Flunarizine (10 mg) is effective in patients with migrainous vertigo who suffer from considerable vestibular symptoms.     

Evaluation of changes in endolymphatic hydrops volume after medical treatments for Meniere's disease using 3D magnetic resonance imaging

ObjectiveTo elucidate the relationship between vertigo and EH volume after medical treatment, we investigated changes in endolymphatic hydrops (EH) volume using inner ear magnetic resonance imaging (ieMRI) in relation to clinical results for vertigo and hearing after administration of the anti-vertiginous medications betahistine, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), isosorbide (ISO), and saireito (SAI) for Meniere's disease (MD).MethodsWe retrospectively enrolled 202 consecutive patients diagnosed with unilateral MD from 2015 to 2021 and assigned them to four groups: Group I (G-I), symptomatic oral medication with betahistine only (CONT); Group II (G-II), inner ear vasoactive oral medication (ATP); Group III (G-III), osmotic diuretic oral medication (ISO); and Group IV (G-IV), kampo oral medication (SAI). In total, 172 patients completed the planned one-year-follow-up, which included the assessment of vertigo frequency, hearing improvement, and changes in EH using ieMRI (G-I, n=40; G-II, n=42; G-III, n=44; G-IV, n=46). We constructed 3D MRI images semi-automatically and fused the 3D images of the total fluid space (TFS) of the inner ear and endolymphatic space (ELS). After fusing the images, we calculated the volume ratios of the TFS and ELS (ELS ratios).ResultsOne year after treatment, vertigo was controlled with zero episodes per month in 57.5% (23/40) of patients in G-I, 78.6% (33/42) in G-II, 81.8% (36/44) in G-III, and 82.6% (38/46) in G-IV (statistical significance: G-I<G-II=G-III=G-IV). Hearing improved by > 10 dB in 5.0% (2/40) of patients in G-I, 16.7% (7/42) in G-II, 18.2% (8/44) in G-III, and 21.7% (10/46) in G-IV (statistical significance: G-I=G-II=G-III=G-IV). ELS ratios were significantly reduced after treatment only in the vestibule for G-II, G-III, and G-IV when compared with G-I. Especially among patients with complete control of vertigo after treatment, ELS ratios were significantly reduced after treatment in the vestibule and total inner ear for G-II; in the cochlea, vestibule, and total inner ear for G-III; and in the cochlea, vestibule, and total inner ear for G-IV compared with G-I. However, there were no significant findings in the relationship between hearing results and changes in ELS ratios.ConclusionThese results indicate that daily administration of anti-vertiginous medications including ATP, ISO, and SAI could be an effective treatment option for patients with MD at an early stage before it becomes intractable. Treatments to reduce EH might offer better control of vertigo rather than improve hearing.     

Comparable efficacy and tolerability between twice daily and three times daily betahistine for Ménière's disease

Conclusion. Betahistine at oral doses of 16 mg tid and 24 mg bid provides similar efficacy and tolerability in the treatment of vertigo in patients with Ménière's disease. Objective. To compare the efficacy and tolerability of betahistine 16 mg tid and 24 mg bid in the treatment of vertigo in patients with Ménière's disease. Patients and methods. This was a randomized, open-label study of 120 consecutive patients with well-established Ménière's disease treated with betahistine 16 mg tid or 24 mg bid for 24 weeks. Treatment efficacy, assessed by clinical outcome level in terms of severity, frequency and duration of vertigo spells, was evaluated at baseline and at weeks 4, 12 and 24. Between-group comparisons of outcome data (Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney U test) and adverse events (chi-squared test) were made. Results. Betahistine 16 mg tid or 24 mg bid showed a significant improvement in clinical outcome level from baseline to week 24 (p<0.01). There was no significant difference between dosage groups regarding improvement in vertigo at any time point during the study. There was no significant difference between groups in the incidence of adverse events, which was low (maximum: headache, 16 mg tid, 16.7% of patients at week 4; 6.7% at week 24). The number of patients reporting adverse events diminished with time.     

Effects of betahistine on patient-reported outcomes in routine practice in patients with vestibular vertigo and appraisal of tolerability: experience in the OSVaLD study

This was a 3-month multicentre, open-label post-marketing surveillance study of betahistine (24 mg b.i.d. or 16 mg t.i.d.) in patients with vertigo of peripheral vestibular origin. Study endpoints comprised on-treatment changes in the Dizziness Handicap Index (DHI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS) and the Short-Form (SF)-36v2. Total DHI score improved 37.2 points (of a 100-point scale) following betahistine treatment. Corresponding improvements occurred in all three DHI scale domains (all p < 0.001 vs baseline). Betahistine therapy was also accompanied by progressive, significant improvements in both HADS-A and HADS-D scores (p < 0.001), and improvements in the distribution profiles of anxiety and depression scores. Significant improvements in the Physical Component Summary and Mental Component Summary scores of the SF-36v2 were recorded during betahistine treatment. Betahistine was generally well tolerated. A total of 76 adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were recorded in 49 patients (2.4%), of which 75 were classified as mild or moderate and 54 were possibly related to betahistine. ADRs led to study drug discontinuation in 17 patients. These data illustrate that treatment with betahistine 48 mg/day in patients with recurrent peripheral vestibular vertigo is associated with improvements in objective measures of health-related quality of life and satisfactory tolerability.     

Fixed combination of cinnarizine and dimenhydrinate versus betahistine dimesylate in the treatment of Ménière's disease: a randomized, double-blind, parallel group clinical study

In a randomized, double-blind clinical study, we evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of the fixed combination of cinnarizine, 20 mg, and dimenhydrinate, 40 mg (Arlevert [ARL]) in comparison to betahistine dimesylate (12 mg) in 82 patients suffering from Ménière's disease for at least 3 months and showing the characteristic triad of symptoms (paroxysmal vertigo attacks, cochlear hearing loss, and tinnitus). The treatment (one tablet three times daily) extended to 12 weeks, with control visits at 1, 3, 6, and 12 weeks after drug intake. The study demonstrated for both the fixed-combination ARL and for betahistine a highly efficient reduction of vertigo symptoms in the course of the 12 weeks of treatment; however, no statistically significant difference between the two treatment groups could be established. Similar results were found for tinnitus (approximately 60% reduction) and for the associated vegetative symptoms (almost complete disappearance). Vestibulospinal reactions, recorded by means of craniocorpography, also improved distinctly, with a statistically significant superiority of ARL versus betahistine (p < .042) for the parameter of lateral sway (Unterberger's test). The caloric tests (electronystagmography) showed only minor changes for both treatment groups in the course of the study. A statistically significant improvement of hearing function of the affected ear (p = .042) was found for the combination preparation after 12 weeks of treatment. The tolerability was judged by the vast majority of patients (97.5%) in both groups to be very good. Only one patient (betahistine group) reported a nonserious adverse event, and two betahistine patients did not complete the study. In conclusion, the combination preparation proved to be a highly efficient and safe treatment option for Ménière's disease and may be used both in the management of acute episodes and in long-term treatment. Efficacy and safety were found to be similar to the widely used standard therapy with betahistine.     

地塞米松鼓室内注射治疗难治性梅尼埃病

目的：观察地塞米松鼓室内注射治疗梅尼埃病的疗效。方法：15例难治性梅尼埃病鼓室内注射地塞米松，首次2．5mg，15min后再注射2．5mg，患耳朝上，平卧30min，第2天再注射2次(每次2．5mg)。第2～4周每周注药2．5mg，总量17．5mg。检测眩晕、听力及耳鸣变化。结果：15例平均随访18个月，眩晕完全控制10例，明显减轻2例，3例眩晕复发，分别再注药2～3次，眩晕控制。耳鸣消失5例，减轻5例，不变5例。听力增进20～30dB 10例，不变5例。结论：地塞米松鼓室内注射治疗梅尼埃病能有效控制眩晕，改善耳鸣。可避免全身应用类固醇激素，费用低，眩晕复发可重复进行注射，可作为手术治疗前的梯级治疗，也可用于双侧梅尼埃病及不能接受手术治疗者。     

Low-dose intratympanic gentamicin administration for unilateral Meniere's disease using a method based on clinical symptomatology: Preliminary results

PurposeThere are many therapeutic options for Meniere's disease (MD); intratympanic (IT) gentamicin has been proposed for intractable cases although controversy about dosage and method exists. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of low-dose IT gentamicin on vertigo attacks in MD using a clinical symptomatology-based method in which administration was repeated only if vertigo attacks recurred, with a 2-week interval between injections.Materials and methodsForty-eight patients with unilateral intractable MD were included in the study. All patients received one to five IT injections with 0.5 ml of 10 mg of gentamicin (80 mg/2 ml) with an interval of 2 weeks between injections. Vertigo attacks were evaluated before and after therapy and categorized into classes A–F according to the 2015 Equilibrium Committee criteria. Audiovestibular assessment with pure tone audiometry, vestibular bed-side examination and video head impulse test was performed.ResultsBefore treatment patients had an average of 4.4 vertigo attacks/month; after treatment the average number decreased to 0.52. The majority of patients (77%) reached Class A vertigo control with 5 or less gentamicin injections. VOR gain was unaffected in the healthy side and significantly reduced in the affected side. No hearing deterioration was found in all treated patients.ConclusionsLow-dose IT gentamicin administration based on clinical symptomatology can produce a satisfactory control of vertigo attacks after treatment; such protocol had an effect mainly on the vestibular function as demonstrated by the significant reduction in VOR gain in the affected side avoiding a cochlear damage.     

前庭性眩晕疾病患者焦虑和抑郁状况研究

目的 研究临床上常见的四种前庭性眩晕患者的焦虑/抑郁状况及其眩晕残障程度等相关因素并进行分析,为临床诊治四种前庭性眩晕提供依据。 方法 搜集确诊为前庭性眩晕的患者,分别为良性阵发性位置性眩晕(BPPV)、前庭性偏头痛(VM)、梅尼埃病(MD)及前庭神经炎(VN)四种疾病,记录患者的病程、持续时间等一般资料,完善耳科学检查并进行医院焦虑抑郁量表(HAD)、眩晕残障量表(DHI)测定。 结果 纳入前庭性眩晕患者121例,其中BPPV47例,VM31例,MD29例,VN14例,四组患者焦虑/抑郁阳性率分别为BPPV 31.9%、VM 71.0%、MD 75.9%、VN 42.9%;轻度、中度及重度眩晕残障程度分别为BPPV 58.9%、19.8%、21.3%,VM 19.4%、25.8%、54.8%,MD 6.9%、24.1%、69.0%,VN 38.6%、21.4%、40.0%。焦虑与抑郁评分之间线性相关(r=0.570,P<0.05);DHI与HAD评分之间线性相关(r=0.804;P<0.05)。 结论 前庭性眩晕患者存在不同程度的焦虑/抑郁,且焦虑和抑郁有一定的相关性;VM和MD患者焦虑/抑郁的发生率较高;VM、MD及VN患者眩晕残障程度高于BPPV患者。因此在临床上诊治前庭性眩晕疾病的时候要重视患者的焦虑/抑郁状态,特别是VM、MD患者,以便更好的治疗前庭性眩晕。     

Double-blind,Randomized, Multicenter Study Comparing the Effect of Betahistine and Flunarizine on the Dizziness Handicap in Patients with Recurrent Vestibular Vertigo

Objective --The aim of this double-blind, randomized, multicenter study was to compare the efficacy of betahistine dihydrochloride (BH) and flunarizine (FL) using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), a validated self-assessment questionnaire that has not previously been used in a clinical trial to evaluate antivertigo drugs. Material and Methods --Patients with recurrent vertigo of peripheral vestibular origin and who were severely handicapped by vertigo were randomized to an 8-week course of treatment with oral BH 48 mg daily or oral FL 10 mg daily. The efficacy endpoints were the total DHI score and the physical, functional and emotional subscores. Results --Fifty-two patients completed the study. After 8 weeks of treatment the mean total DHI score and the physical subscore were significantly lower in the BH group compared to the FL group (7.5 and 3.6 points, respectively). The mean total DHI score as well as the three subscores decreased significantly after 4 and 8 weeks in both treatment groups. Conclusion --This study showed that at 8 weeks BH is significantly more effective than FL in terms of improving the total DHI score and the physical subscore. It was also established that the DHI is a useful and reliable method for evaluating the efficacy of antivertigo drugs.     

Double-blind,randomized, multicenter study comparing the effect of betahistine and flunarizine on the dizziness handicap in patients with recurrent vestibular vertigo

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this double-blind, randomized, multicenter study was to compare the efficacy of betahistine dihydrochloride (BH) and flunarizine (FL) using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), a validated self-assessment questionnaire that has not previously been used in a clinical trial to evaluate antivertigo drugs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with recurrent vertigo of peripheral vestibular origin and who were severely handicapped by vertigo were randomized to an 8-week course of treatment with oral BH 48 mg daily or oral FL 10 mg daily. The efficacy endpoints were the total DHI score and the physical, functional and emotional subscores. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients completed the study. After 8 weeks of treatment the mean total DHI score and the physical subscore were significantly lower in the BH group compared to the FL group (7.5 and 3.6 points, respectively). The mean total DHI score as well as the three subscores decreased significantly after 4 and 8 weeks in both treatment groups. CONCLUSION: This study showed that at 8 weeks BH is significantly more effective than FL in terms of improving the total DHI score and the physical subscore. It was also established that the DHI is a useful and reliable method for evaluating the efficacy of antivertigo drugs.     

Effect of betahistine dihydrochloride on induced vestibular nystagmus: a double blind study

The effect of betahistine on vestibular nystagmus induced by means of a torsion swing was tested in 10 subjects. Each individual received, in a randomized double-blind study, 3 different single oral dosages of betahistine (8, 16 and 32 mg) on 3 different occasions. Electronystagmographic tracings were taken at different time-intervals after drug intake. At 3-4 hours after a dose of 8 mg betahistine the nystagmus duration was reduced by 35%, after 16 mg betahistine by 48% and after 32 mg betahistine by 59% (mean values). All these differences in dose-response are highly significant (P less than 0.0005). It can be concluded from these results, that a dose of 3 X 8 mg or 3 X 16 mg betahistine daily will be efficacious in maintenance treatment of vertigo, and a dose of 3 X 24 mg betahistine daily will have even more effect.     

The beneficial effect of methylprednisolone in acute vestibular vertigo

To assess the efficacy of corticosteroids in acute vestibular vertigo, we randomly selected 20 patients so that half took methylprednisolone and half took placebo. Extensive neurotologic examination confirmed the diagnosis. If no significant reduction of vertigo occurred within the first 24 hours of treatment, patients were instructed to switch medications. Patients were followed up prospectively for 1 month. Of the 10 patients receiving methylprednisolone, 9 had a marked reduction of vertiginous symptoms and 1 switched to the placebo medication. Of the 10 patients receiving placebo, 3 had relief of vertiginous symptoms, while the 7 with persistent symptoms switched to methylprednisolone and had subsequent effective reduction of vertigo within 24 hours. The electronystagmogram returned to normal within 1 month in all 16 patients taking methylprednisolone, but remained abnormal in 2 of the 4 patients treated with placebo. One patient receiving methylprednisolone had a relapse of symptoms when the dosage was tapered, but symptoms again remitted when the dosage was increased to 32 mg/d. From this double-blind, prospective, placebo-controlled, crossover study, we conclude that methylprednisolone is much more effective than placebo in reducing vertiginous symptoms in patients with acute vestibular vertigo.     

Intratympanic and systemic dexamethasone for Ménière's disease

Intratympanic and systemic dexamethasone treatment of Ménière's disease (MD) was evaluated in a prospective study. Seventeen patients (6 men and 11 women) with MD (5 right-sided, 11 left-sided and 1 bilateral) were treated with three 0.2- to 0.4-ml injections of intratympanic dexamethasone hyaluronate (16 mg/ml) during a week and with an initial intramuscular dexamethasone injection of 15 mg. Most of patients were in stage 3, and the mean duration of MD was 5. 3 years. Pure-tone and speech audiometry and the symptom scale of the patients were followed up for 1 year after the treatment. Symptoms of aural fullness, hearing loss, tinnitus and vertigo did not improve significantly. However, sufficient control of vertigo was achieved in 76% of the patients. In conclusion, no definite treatment effect has yet been shown for intratympanic and systemic dexamethasone treatment. Therefore, the clinical use of dexamethasone in MD needs further investigation.     

Radical scavengers for Ménière's disease after failure of conventional therapy: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE: To perform a trial to assess the efficacy of radical scavengers, i.e. rebamipide, vitamin C and glutathione, for the treatment of Ménière's disease (MD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Rebamipide (300 mg/day), vitamin C (600 mg/day) and/or glutathione (300 mg/day) were given orally for at least 8 weeks to 25 patients with poorly controlled MD. RESULTS: Of 22 patients, 21 showed marked improvement of vertigo; 12/27 ears showed improvement of hearing disorders; 17/27 ears showed improvement of tinnitus; and 18/25 patients showed improvement of disability. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that treatment using radical scavengers has the potential to become an effective new therapy for MD.     

End-point indicators of low-dose intra-tympanic gentamicin in management of Ménière’s disease

Conclusions: One-shot, low-dose intra-tympanic gentamicin (ITG) treatment was effective and safe for Ménière’s disease (MD) patients. Head thrust test (HTT) and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) test could be used as endpoint indicators for vertigo control in MD patients.

Objectives: The present study is to explore end-point indicators of ITG injection in MD.

Methods: Patients with MD were reviewed from June 2012 to March 2014. Single-shot ITG at a concentration of 30?mg/ml was administered to patients. The sensitivity and specificity of HTT and VEMPs for vertigo control were measured.

Results: All 37 patients with a median follow-up of 26 months were included. Of those 37 patients, 24 patients (64.9%) obtained class A vertigo control and seven patients (18.9%) obtained class B vertigo control. Only six patients had class C control (16.2%). The sensitivity and specificity of HTT for vertigo control were 74.2% and 50.0%. Meanwhile, the sensitivity and specificity of VEMPs threshold were 83.9% and 33.3%. When combined HTT and VEMPs, sensitivity and specificity were 93.5% and 66.7%. Based on the four-tone average thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2, 3?kHz, 78.4% patients had no significant change in PTA and 16.2% patients experienced significant improvement.