flunarizine and Dizziness

The effect of flunarizine (10 mg/day) was studied in open and double-blind clinical trials. Patients presenting the symptom of dizziness were diagnosed as having the hyperventilation syndrome. They showed vestibular hyperreactivity in the velocity step test. This test was performed before and after 4-6 weeks of treatment. The results of treatment were compared with a control or placebo group. In an open trial, 12 of 14 patients reported alleviation of dizziness during treatment and showed a significant decrease in right-left asymmetry of their velocity step responses. In a double-blind trial, no significant difference in effects or side effects was found between the drug and placebo groups.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Clinical Trials as Topic; Dizziness; Double-Blind Method; Electronystagmography; Female; Flunarizine; Humans; Hyperventilation; Male; Middle Aged; Reflex, Vestibulo-Ocular; Syndrome; Vestibular Function Tests

Flunarizine (10 mg/day) was given in an open pilot study to 14 patients with the primary complaint of dizziness, who showed vestibular hyperreactivity in the velocity step (VS) test and were proven to have a hyperventilation syndrome (HVS) without any other disease. The VS test was repeated after 4-6 weeks of treatment. Twelve of these HVS patients reported alleviation of dizziness. Objective evaluation of the results of treatment was attempted by defining suitable response parameters and comparing their values to those obtained in a control group of 14 healthy volunteers tested twice with the same interval. A significant decrease in right-left asymmetry in the VS responses of the patients on drug was found.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Calcium Channel Blockers; Cinnarizine; Clinical Trials as Topic; Dizziness; Female; Flunarizine; Humans; Hyperventilation; Male; Middle Aged; Vestibular Function Tests; Vestibule, Labyrinth

To assess the prevalence of vestibular migraine (VM) in patients consulting to an otolaryngology clinic, the neuro-otological associated symptoms, and the effect of prophylactic antimigrainous medication on VM symptom improvement.. Retrospective chart review.. Tertiary referral otolaryngology clinic.. We used the diagnostic criteria from the Bárány Society and the International Headache Society to allocate patients to a subgroup: VM, possible VM, and atypical VM.. The prevalence of VM, percentages of associated neurotological symptoms, and percentages of effectiveness of prophylactic medication.. Sixty-five (16%) patients were selected from the total patient population (n = 407) from which 4.2% were assigned to the definite VM group, 5.7% to the probable VM group, and 6.1% to the atypical VM group. We found a significantly different distribution between the groups for photophobia (p = 0.035), ear pressure (p = 0.023), and scotoma (p = 0.015). Thirty patients were administered with flunarizine and 68% responded with an improvement in VM symptoms (p < 0.001). For propranolol, 31 patients were treated and there was an improvement of symptoms in 73% (p < 0.001). Remarkable was the fact that these percentages were not significantly different between the subgroups.. VM is a common disorder presenting in a dizziness clinic, and detailed history taking is important to assess VM-associated symptoms and thus to prevent underdiagnosis. The latter is very important because our study shows that the majority of patients, regardless of VM subtype, can benefit from a prophylactic treatment, but further prospective studies are necessary.

Topics: Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; Adult; Calcium Channel Blockers; Dizziness; Flunarizine; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Migraine Disorders; Otolaryngology; Photophobia; Prevalence; Propranolol; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Vertigo; Vestibule, Labyrinth