The effectiveness of dihydroergocristine mesylate upon central vestibular disorders of haemodynamic origin : a multi – centre s
Abstract
Haemodynamic disorders are accounted amongst the most common factors for vertigo genesis. These disorders can occur in all age groups, but appear more often after the sixth decade of life. The location of the damage can be at the peripheral and / or central Vestibular levels. Dihydroergocristine Mesylate (DM) belongs to the “drug-menu” used for the treatment of dizziness and / or vertigo. In this multi-center open study, we recruited 350 patients in 12 Neurotological centers all over Greece, with central Vestibular disorders. We investigated its efficacy prior to, during, and at the end of a 3 month per os administration, (6mg twice daily). The patients’ subjective symptoms and objective Vestibular findings were evaluated. Data analysis showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.0005) concerning the number, duration and intensity of vertigo episodes. Intolerance was observed in 0.6% of the patient treatment population and side effects in 5.6% of cases. Medical evaluation was considered “excellent” in 37,8%, “good” in 46,9%, “medium” in 8,1% and “insufficient” in 2,2% of the cases. The patient’s evaluation was scored as “very improved” in 37,8%, “improved” in 46,9%, “unchanged” in 5,3% and “deteriorated” in 0,3%. Study results is demonstrate that DM significantly improves both the patients’ subjective symptoms and objective findings. At the same time, the drug was well tolerated and minimal side effects were observed. Therefore, DM appears to provide a real therapeutic effect in patients with balance problems and vertigo, related to haemodynamic disorders of the central Vestibular area.