The effect of betahistine (betaserc) on vestibular function in vertebro-basilar insufficiency
Abstract
The aim of the study was to observe the usefulness of Betaserc in therapy of vestibular disorders in the patients with vertebro-basilar insufficiency. 80 patients (43 female, 37 male) were tested on the base of videonystagmography, stabilometry and brain stem auditory evoked potentials. Betaserc was ordered in two separate doses: 3x 8mg and 3x 16 mg per day. 40 patients were treated with small, 40 with greater dose during 4-6 months. In every case before and after therapy visuo-oculomotor and vestibulo-oculomotor reflexes were tested and amplitude, velocity of the sway were measured during dynamic posturographic test. Brain stem auditory evoked potnetials were checked to observe auditory activity in the brain stem. After Betaserc treatment pathological visuo-oculomotor reactions and pathological cervical test disappeared. During stabilometry mean velocity of the head comparing with body sway dicreased. Latency of V-th way was shorter and interval between III-rd and V-th peak dicreased. These observations were significant after greater dose of Betaserc but improvement was noted after both of them. Usefulness of Betaserc in vertebro-basilar insufficiency was proved, 4-6 months’ therapy was sufficient and effect on central compensation seemed to be the most probable.
