Abstract
Vestibular disorders may generate complex signs and symptoms, which may alter patients’ balance and the quality of life. Dizziness and vertigo can strongly affect daily activities and relations. Despite the presence of conventional drugs, maneuvers, and surgery, another interesting therapeutic opportunity is offered by nutraceuticals. These molecules are often used in the treatment of dizziness and vertigo, but the rationale of their application is not always solidly demonstrated by the scientific evidence. Several substances have shown a variable level of efficacy/usefulness in this field, but there is lack of important evidence for most of them. From a medico-legal point of view, specific information must be provided to the patient regarding the efficacy and possibilities that the use of these preparations can allow. Administering the right nutraceutical to the proper patient is a fundamental clinical skill. Integrating conventional drug treatment with nutraceutical administration seems to be easy, but it may be difficult considering the (in part unexplored) pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of nutraceuticals. The aim of the scientific community should be to elevate nutraceuticals to the same law and technical dignity of conventional drugs.
Highlights
The term “nutraceuticals” is the object of continuous debate, and to date they are described as “a food or part of a food, such as a dietary supplement, that has a medical or health benefit, including the prevention and treatment of disease” [1]
Citicoline is an intermediary in the phospholipids synthesis chain, with multiple properties (Tables 2 and 3), and which seems to have an effect on vertigo/dizziness [38,41], even if there is no strong evidence to support it [38,119]
There are little data concerning the use of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) in the treatment of vertigo/dizziness [60]
Summary
The term “nutraceuticals” is the object of continuous debate, and to date they are described as “a food or part of a food, such as a dietary supplement, that has a medical or health benefit, including the prevention and treatment of disease” [1]. Even if these compounds are commonly used in several clinical manifestations [2,3,4,5,6], e.g., when treating vestibular diseases, their role has not been well described.
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