The Homeopathic Preparation Vertigoheel® Versus Ginkgo biloba in the Treatment of Vertigo in an Elderly Population: A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Alternative medical practices are common in the treatment of vertigo. This study compared the effects of Ginkgo biloba treatment with the homeopathic remedy Vertigoheel (Biologische Heilmittel Heel GmbH, Baden-Baden, Germany). Randomized, double-blinded, parallel group study. One hundred and seventy (170) patients, ages 60-80 years, with atherosclerosis-related vertigo. Patients were randomly allocated to receive treatment with either Vertigoheel (n = 87) or G. biloba (n = 83). 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). 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. Vertigoheel is an appealing alternative to established G. biloba therapy for atherosclerosis-related vertigo.