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The homeopathic preparation vertigoheel (R) versus Ginkgo biloba in the treatment of vertigo in an elderly population: A double-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial

Lookup NU author(s): Wolfgang Issing

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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((R)) (Biologische Heilmittel Heel GmbH, Baden-Baden, Germany). Design: Randomized, double-blinded, parallel group study. Subjects: One hundred and seventy (170) patients, ages 60-80 years, with atherosclerosis-related vertigo. Interventions: Patients were randomly allocated to receive treatment with either Vertigoheel (n = 87) or G. biloba (n = 83). Outcome measures: 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.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Issing W, Klein P, Weiser M

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine

Year: 2005

Volume: 11

Issue: 1

Pages: 155-160

ISSN (print): 1075-5535

ISSN (electronic): 1557-7708

Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. Publishers

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/acm.2005.11.155

DOI: 10.1089/acm.2005.11.155

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