[Assessment of betahistine dihydrochloride effectiveness in the treatment of vertigo of a different aetiology based on videonystagmography test results].

UNLABELLED

Comprehensive medical history and videonystagmography (VNG) testing play very important role in balance assessment especially when dealing with balance disorders occurring occasionally. VNG in many clinical situations is performed as an initial test before complete otoneurological examination is carried out. Betahistine dihydrochloride (betahistine) a synthetic histamine analogue is one of many drugs used in the treatment of balance disorders of central or peripheral etiology. The aim of our work was to analyze, using the VNG test, effectiveness of betahistine treatment and to compare it with the control group treated with different drugs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

42 patients suffering from vertigo were evaluated before and after the treatment with betahistine. Treatment results were compared with the results of 20 vertigo sufferers treated during the same period of time with different drugs. In effort to standardize asked questions, interviews with patients were completed with specially structured questionnaire. In 54% of patients, decreased intensity and severity of vegetative symptoms was observed after the treatment with betahistine, in 45.2% of patients (30% of the control group) decreased frequency of attacks was noted.

RESULTS

In 69.1% of patients treated with betahistine and in 50% of the control group improved results of the VNG test were noted. In 9.5% of patients (4 patients) treated with betahistine and in 20% of patients from the control group, the VNG test results were worse. Quantitative and qualitative features of the VNG test were best improved in parts of the test showing features of its central origin. In 50% of patients improvement of the symmetry in Optokinetic testing, decrease or stop of vertical component of positional nystagmus was noted. In 38.1% of patients decrease of directional predominance of nystagmus in Caloric Testing was noted. None of all examined patients exhibited features of worsening of VNG test results and no new symptoms were noted. Radiological investigations showed no new pathologies.

CONCLUSION

Betahistine dichloride is one of the basic drugs used in the treatment of vertigo of different etiology.