Gaba – benzodiazepine – chloride receptor – targeted therapy for tinnitus control: preliminary report
Abstract
Our goal was to attempt to establish neuropharmacological tinnitus control (i.e., relief) with medication directed to restoration of a deficiency in the g-aminobutyric acid – benzodiazepine – chloride receptor in tinnitus patients with a diagnosis of a predominantly central type tinnitus.
Thirty tinnitus patients completed a medical audiological tinnitus patient protocol and brain magnetic resonance imaging and single-photon emission computed tomography of brain. Treatment with GABAergic and benzodiazepine medication continued for 4 – 6 weeks. A maintenance dose was continued when tinnitus control was positive. Intake and outcome questionnaires were completed. Of 30 patients, 21 completed the trial (70%). Tinnitus control lasting from 4 – 6 weeks to 3 years was reported by 19 of the 21 (90%). The trial was not completed by 9 of the 30 (30%). No patient experienced an increase in tinnitus intensity or annoyance. Sequential brain single-photon emission computed tomography in 10 patients revealed objective evidence of increased brain perfusion. Patients with a predominantly central type tinnitus experience significant tinnitus control with medication directed to the g-aminobutyric acid – benzodiazepine – chloride receptor.
International Tinnitus Journal – ITJ, go to http://www.tinnitusjournal.com/
